New Campaign Kicks Off To Keep Kids Safe From Accidental Poisoning

As we celebrate National Poisoning Prevention  Week, the group “Safe Kids Worldwide” has unveiled a new initiative called “Safe Storage, Safe Dosing, Safe Kids.”

The campaign calls on caregivers, medical personnel, pharmacists, drug makers and government groups in Jersey and across the nation to work to reduce accidental poisonings of children from medications.

Safe Kids Worldwide President Kate Carr says “about 165 kids each and every single day in the United States are seen in emergency rooms for medication-related treatments – that’s about 4 busloads of kids that are winding up in an emergency department – every single day!”

She says “that’s something that is 100 percent preventable if we take the time to make sure that medicines are put up and away, and out of sight. We’re constantly reminding folks to keep those curious fingers away from any type of medication.”

Carr adds parents and caregivers should never refer to medications as “candy. If a child accidently swallows or drinks something that could be dangerous, caregivers can call a special toll-free Poison Help number - 800-222-1222 for immediate assistance.