National Poison Prevention Week 

National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) 2026 is March 15th – 21st. This year's theme is "When The Unexpected Happens."

In 1961, the United States Congress established the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week (P.L. 87-319). During NPPW, poison centers across the nation unite to increase poison prevention awareness.  

Locally, the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center is participating in the following activities in observance of National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW):

• Kicking off the week with an e-newsletter
• Posting daily poison prevention tips and activities to our social media channels 
• Airing our 60–second English/Diné radio PSA on KTNN (Navajo Nation) 
• Hosting a post–NPPW table event on 3/26—HSC campus (specific location & time TBD)

You Can Make A Difference Too!

Below are a few simple ways that you can make a significant contribution:

• Learn how to prevent poisonings in several situations and take action! Educate family, friends, and fellow community members about the importance of preventing poisonings.
• Do you have the poison hotline handy in case of an emergency? Order our magnets or telephone stickers and save 1.800.222.1222 to your cell phone contacts. Poisonings can happen at any time and at any place!
• Order poison prevention materials to be distributed at community events.
• Calling All Teachers! Download our lesson plans:  K-2nd graders; 3-5th graders; Middle & High School students.
• Download the NPPW Children's Activity Book or Adult Brain Games.
• Share, Like, and Follow Us: Facebook (@nm.poison), Twitter (@nm_poison), and Instagram (@nmpoison). There will be lots of fun activities and educational information posted on our social networks.
• We are always looking for partners to help us spread poison prevention education! Download the 2026 NPPW Tool Kit to kickoff a lasting collaboration with the New Mexico Poison Center!
• Showcase the Impact of Poison Centers and the NMPDIC's Annual Report to others.
  • Read and share, "Poison Centers Save Lives and Money, New Study Says."

Please contact Jacqueline (Jacq) Kakos at jkakos@salud.unm.edu to discuss ideas or questions. Thank you in advance to those that participate!