News and Events

March 11, 2014

Since 1962, the third week in March has been designated National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) and has focused national attention on the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. National Poison Prevention Week, established by the U.S. Congress, is commissioned by the Poison Prevention Week Council, an organization of public and private partners committed to reducing unintentional poisonings and promoting poison prevention.

Today prescription drug abuse is a major public health issue; thus making the observance of NPPW especially important. In New Mexico, poisonings are the leading cause of unintentional injury death. New Mexico posted an age-adjusted drug poisoning death rate of 23.8 per 100,000 compared with the United States rate of 12.3 per 100,000 in 2010, ranking New Mexico the 2^nd highest in the United States.[1] Medications account for 57% of the substances involved with poisoning calls to the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center (NMPDIC), making them the most common poisoning substance class 

National Poison Prevention Week 2014 is March 16^th – 22^rd!  The New Mexico Poison Center would like to invite all those interested to join us in celebrating this very important observance.

There is a special theme for each day of the week:

Monday, March 17^th—Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons!

Tuesday, March 18^th—Calling Your Poison Center is Responsible!

Wednesday, March 19^th—Poisonings Span a Lifetime

Thursday, March 20^th —Home, Safe Home

Friday, March 21^st —Spotlight on Prescription Painkillers and Synthetics

The NMDIC is partnering with Twister’s Restaurant on University and Manual in observance of NPPW. Present a coupon with your purchase on March 19^th and receive a 20% discount. Log on to our Web site (nmpoisoncenter.unm.edu) to download your coupons.

We would like to encourage New Mexicans to take part in NPPW and educate their local communities about the importance of poison prevention. Please visit our NPPW page for more information about how you can become involved.  You can also order materials and download lesson plans on our new site.  Come join us!