Poison Prevention Week

WHEREAS, all citizens should be made aware of the ever-present dangers posed by potentially poisonous household substances; and

WHEREAS, our youngsters too often have access to commonly used drugs and medicines and to potentially toxic household products such as cleaners, polishes, paint solvents and antifreeze; and

WHEREAS, over the past 50 years, the nation has been observing Poison Prevention Week to call attention to these hazards and how proper handling and disposal of these substances and proper use of safety packaging can help eliminate poisonings; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Poison Center is a mainstay in the emergency medical care system of the state of Alabama and is recognized nationally for its contributions to poison treatment and prevention; and

WHEREAS, over 50% of the more than 46,000 poisonings reported last year to the Alabama Poison Center involve children less than six years of age and could have been prevented:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 20 through March 26, 2011, as

Poison Prevention Week

in the State of Alabama, and I direct the appropriate agencies in Alabama to continue cooperation with concerned citizens, schools and community organizations to support the Alabama Poison Center’s prevention programs to alert our people to the continuous problem of accidental poisonings and to encourage effective safeguards such as poison proofing as a deterrent to childhood poisonings.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 2nd day of March 2011.

      

Governor Robert Bentley