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Proclamation recognizing the Pittsburgh Poison Center and proclaiming March 19 through March 25, 2017 as “Poison Prevention Week” in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, as the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States, poisonings can harm people of all ages and from all walks of life; and
WHEREAS, education and awareness about poisons can save lives; and
WHEREAS, staffed 24 hours a day, the Pittsburgh Poison Center (PPC) at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, responds each year to more than 150,000 requests for poison information from the general public and medical professionals; and
WHEREAS, the PPC provides professional consultation services to business and industry; and
WHEREAS, with the Mr. Yuk™ poison warning symbol as its focal point, since 1971, the PPC has conducted comprehensive poison prevention education programs with the belief that it is better to prevent an accidental poisoning than to treat one; and
WHEREAS, the PPC developed the National Poison Data System (NPDS) and established the first quality standards among poison centers, and a network of regional and satellite poison centers throughout the United States;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize the Pittsburgh Poison Center and proclaim March 19 through March 25, 2017 as “Poison Prevention Week” in Allegheny County. We call upon all citizens of Allegheny County to observe this week by learning about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures to ensure the safety of our homes and communities.