Media Advisory: Launch of Poison Help Campaign and Kick Off of National Poison Prevention Week

	U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration HRSA NEWS ROOM http://newsroom.hrsa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

CONTACT: HRSA PRESS OFFICE
301-443-3376

Media Advisory

WHO:	Elizabeth M. Duke, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
	Nancy Bock, Chairman, Poison Prevention Week Council
	Stuart Heard, President, American Association of Poison Control Centers
	Nancy A. Nord, Acting Chairman, Consumer Product Safety Commission
	Kristin Lolmaugh, Vice Chairman, Poison Prevention Week Council

WHAT:	Launch of Poison Help Campaign and Kick Off of National Poison Prevention Week

WHEN:	Thursday, March 13, 11:00 am ET

WHERE:	Union Station, West Hall, Washington , D.C.

CONTACT:	HRSA Office of Communications: 301-443-3376

Background

Each year, more than two million poison exposures are reported to the nation's poison control centers.

To kick off National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will unveil a new online Poison Help Campaign (PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov) to inform Americans about the national Poison Help toll-free number (1-800-222-1222). The campaign also features media ads and bilingual radio jingles for use by local media and community groups.

Poison Prevention Week Council partners will be on hand to distribute materials and answer questions about poisoning and poison prevention.

HRSA's national Poison Control Program funds the nation's poison control centers to provide universal and immediate 24-hour access to a nurse, pharmacist or other poison expert in many languages.

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The Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ), part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.