Poisonings are the second leading cause of unintentional injuries leading to death in the United States — next to motor vehicle crashes — and focusing attention on this public health problem is the goal of National Poison Prevention Week, March 15-21.

In support of the week’s activities, HRSA is announcing the availability of the 2009 Poison Prevention Week Planner, a packet of resources designed to encourage HRSA grantees and other health care providers to work more closely with local and regional poison centers to reduce poisonings.

“Working with your poison center to increase awareness of poisoning risks and prevention resources is a great way to make your community safer,” said Lori Roche, director of the Poison Control Program in the HRSA’s Healthcare Systems Bureau.

The downloadable planner includes fact sheets, tips for planning a Prevention Week event, summaries of poison center activities, and a sample press release, radio public service announcement, and proclamation. In late February, HRSA emailed the planner to agency grantees and other organizations working to promote Prevention Week.

On March 17, the Poison Prevention Week Council, which includes HRSA as a member, will hold a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to spotlight their prevention efforts. HRSA funds support the country’s 61 poison centers and the national Poison Help toll-free number (1-800-222-1222) that provides callers immediate, 24-hour access to poison experts.

Last year, HRSA launched poisonhelp.hrsa.gov to expand public education efforts to prevent poisonings and promote the toll-free helpline. The Web site was rolled out at a press event at Union Station in the District (see Inside HRSA, April 2008: Union Station Hosts Launch of HRSA's Poison Help Campaign).