HHS Recognizes Poison Prevention Week

HHS recognizes Poison Prevention Week

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 09:30 am

Categories: Public Health March 15-21 is nationally recognized as Poison Prevention Week. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about the risks posed by poisonous substances, precautions people can take to keep themselves and their families safe, and how people can get help if poisoning happens.

Children ages 2 to 12 are most at risk of poisoning – especially from household cleaners and personal care products.

In 2025, the North Dakota Poison Help line received over 5,800 calls from state residents. Most calls were about medications and pills, including pain relievers, sedatives and antidepressants.

When the unexpected happens, North Dakotans can call the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222 for advice. The poison help line is fast, free and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Individuals who call the poison help center are connected to a medically trained specialist who can provide:

• Accurate information about poisons and treatments
• Expert guidance on the best course of action
• Confidential and non-judgmental assistance If an individual has collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, North Dakotans should call 911 immediately.

HHS Injury Prevention Administrator Beth Oestreich said, “On average, 90% of poisonings each year happen in the home, and more than 70% of people who call the poison help line get the assistance they need right where they are at. This saves individuals the time and expense of a trip to a health care professional or hospital.”

She encouraged North Dakotans to add the poison help line (800-222-1222) to their phone contact list and to bookmark the ndpoison.org website.

Data on poisonings in North Dakota is available on the HHS website.

Many poisonings are preventable with safe use, storage and disposal of products and medications. Find more poison prevention tips and materials at poisonhelp.org – the official site of America’s poison help centers.