Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: March 16, 2007

National Poison Prevention Week: March 18-24, 2007

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention (the Center), which serves Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have announced that the theme of this year's National Poison Prevention Week (March 18-24, 2007) is medication safety.

A poster campaign emphasizing proper measurement and administration of medication will be featured on RIPTA buses during National Poison Prevention Week. This poster reminds the public not to guess about medication dosages and to make a toll-free call to professionals at the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention if they have questions.

Most poison exposures can be appropriately handled over the phone with a poison specialist at the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, so it is vital to have the poison hotline number (1-800-222-1222) readily accessible at all times. Telephone stickers, refrigerator magnets, and informational brochures with the Center's contact information are available free of charge by calling 1-800-222-1222.

The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention provides 24-hour treatment advice to health care professionals and the public on all types of poisoning including: taking medications properly, swallowing poisonous household products, exposure to biological and chemical substances, and inhalant abuse. In 2006, the Center responded to over 62,000 poison exposure and information calls from people in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Over 75% of the exposure calls received were handled during the call. By providing treatment advice over the phone, the Center prevents unnecessary visits to the emergency department, saving the health care system time and money.

Most poisonings can be prevented. It is especially important to minimize risk by taking precautions to poison proof your home. The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention recommends the following poison prevention tips:

• Place a free 1-800-222-1222 sticker on every phone in your home. Call if you suspect a poisoning emergency or if you have any poison-related questions.
• Use child-resistant packaging for medications and household products, but remember child-resistant is not child-proof. Keep potential poisons out of reach of children at all times.
• Read and follow directions carefully when using medicines and household products.
• Always have the light on when giving or taking medications and be sure to check dosage every time.
• Be aware of look-a-like products such as apple juice and pine cleaner.
• To avoid confusion, teach children to always ask before eating or drinking anything.
• Discontinue use of syrup of ipecac for home treatment as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. (Pediatrics 112 (5): 1182-1185)

For additional information regarding 2007 National Poison Prevention Week or the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, please call 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.MARIpoisoncenter.org