Resolution Highlights Importance of Poison Prevention and Work of Local Poison Control Centers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced the passage of their Senate resolution designating the week of March 20 through March 26, 2022, as “National Poison Prevention Week.” The resolution encourages communities across the United States to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning and promote poison prevention. The resolution also expresses gratitude for the individuals who operate and support local poison control centers as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of educating the public on poison safety and promote the use of the Poison Help hotline.
“Ohio is the proud home to two Poison Control Centers and I’m grateful for the lifesaving work the workers there do to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Brown. “As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week, we must continue to support the work of the CDC and ensure staff, faculty, and other experts at our Poison Control Centers have the resources they need to protect Ohioans.”
“In recent years, we’ve seen an alarming increase in overdoses and attempted suicides — a problem that has been exacerbated throughout the pandemic,” said Senator Scott. “Thankfully, folks in our poison control centers across the nation, including South Carolina’s Palmetto Poison Center, are working nonstop to assist individuals in times of crisis. Today we express our gratitude for those frontline workers who save lives each day through poison prevention and response efforts.”
“This resolution highlights the heroic work performed by poison control centers in Connecticut and across the country. When children are exposed to harmful household products or loved ones are experiencing a possibly-fatal drug overdose, these dedicated professionals are the first ones to answer the call for help,” said Senator Blumenthal. “We must continue supporting public education and resources for these incredible professionals to save lives.”
A number of organizations have endorsed the senators’ resolution, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Kids In Danger, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Safe States Alliance, the American College of Emergency Physicians, Reese’s Purpose, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
There are currently 55 poison control centers in the U.S. Ohio is home to two, including the Drug and Poison Information Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Central Ohio Poison Control Center of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
Brown has long been working to elevate the work and research of Poison Control Centers, including successfully fighting for the regulation of powdered caffeine and finalizing tobacco deeming regulations. Brown has also been pushing to address child risk and safety concerns of high-powered magnets.
Full text of the resolution can be read here.