U.S. Poison Centers Highlight Prevention and Safety During National Poison Prevention Week 2026

National Poison Prevention Week encourages families, communities, and healthcare providers to learn poison prevention tips and promote poison prevention and safety

The U.S. Poison Centers are celebrating and observing National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), March 15-21, 2026, in a nationwide effort to raise awareness about poisoning risks and promote simple steps that can prevent poisonings and save lives. First established by Congress in 1961, NPPW is observed annually during the third week of March to educate communities about the dangers of poisoning and how to respond quickly when exposures occur.

Poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States and remains a significant public health concern. According to America's Poison Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS) annual report, U.S. Poison Centers manage more than 2 million exposure cases each year, averaging a new case every 15 seconds.

"National Poison Prevention Week is an important reminder that poisonings can happen to anyone, anywhere, in the most unexpected moments," said Richard Fogelson, CEO, America's Poison Centers. "Poison Centers are a trusted resource that provide free, confidential, expert medical advice, helping families and healthcare providers respond quickly and safely to potential poison exposures. Our Poison Centers are also out in the communities year-round educating people on how keep their homes and families safe, and where to turn if they need help."

America's Poison Centers represents the nation's 53 accredited Poison Control Centers, which are staffed by specially trained nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and toxicologists. These experts provide immediate treatment guidance for medication errors, chemical exposures, household product incidents, bites and stings, and other poisoning emergencies.

If a poisoning occurs, individuals can call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to reach their local poison control center or visit PoisonHelp.org for online guidance. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

National Student Contest Highlights Poison Prevention Creativity

As part of NPPW, America's Poison Centers hosted the 2026 National Poison Prevention Week Video and Poster Contest, inviting students from across the country to create original works that share poison prevention messages with their peers and communities.

During an awards ceremony held on March 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the following winners were recognized for their outstanding entries:

• Poster People's Choice Winner and Poster Grade 2-4 Winner: Danger! Don't Touch!, Subodh Bandarla, Grade 4, Florida
• Poster Grade K-2 Winner: Poison Prevention Week Tip, Anishka Maia Mittal, Grade 2, Connecticut
• Poster Grand Prize Winner: Pills Are Not Gummies, Takafumi (Tom) Miyazaki, Kindergarten, Nebraska
• Video People's Choice Winners: Be Connected With The Unexpected!, Priya Curley and Asha Curley, Grade 8, Arizona
• Video Grade 5-8 Winners: Poison Patrol, Aria Cogswell and Lilly Gainey, Grade 7, Honolulu Acting Club, Hawaii
• Video Grade 9-12 Winner: The Daily Dangers of Poison - How We Can Stay Safe, Abigail Chan, Grade 12, California
• Video Grand Prize Winner: Stop and Think! (Original Music Video), Madison Low, Grade 12, Valencia High School, Grade 12

The contest encourages students to learn about poison risks and share prevention tips with their families and communities through creative storytelling and visual messaging.

Simple Steps to Prevent Poisonings

During National Poison Prevention Week, Poison Centers encourage families to take a few simple precautions for poison safety:

• Save the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone so you have it if you need it.
• Store medicines, cleaning products, and chemicals up high, and out of reach of children.
• Read the labels and follow directions when taking medications.
• Never mix household cleaning products.

• Contact the Poison Help line immediately if you suspect a poisoning. Find online resources at PoisonHelp.org.

About America's Poison Centers

America's Poison Centers® represents the 53 accredited Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent poison-related health emergencies in America. Through the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and PoisonHelp.org our member centers provide all Americans expert advice. We also maintain the National Poison Data System® (NPDS), our nation's only near real-time poisoning data surveillance system, integrating the latest information from across Poison Centers.