Illinois Poison Prevention Month
March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month. This month raises awareness about poisoning hazards and risks, especially for children. Be proactive by adding IPC to the contacts in your phone. Our free, confidential helpline is 1-800-222-1222 and available around the clock.
Why is Poison Prevention Month so important?
- IPC is a valuable resource for all Illinois residents concerned about a potential poisoning. Every year, IPC handles 80,000 cases through our helpline. Nearly one-third of those cases originates from a healthcare facility—we are the toxicology consultants to Illinois healthcare professionals.
- Each year, poison centers across the U.S. manage more than 2 million cases about poisoning exposure. Of those cases, almost half involve children 5 years old and younger.
- IPC handles a variety of cases, ranging from minor to severe. Poisonings can occur after exposure to medication, vitamins/supplements, plants, household chemicals, automotive products, insect stings, animal bites, lead, carbon monoxide, etc.
Help support IPC’s work to reduce poisoning harm
It's easy to make a difference: Simply share poison prevention with your family, friends and community!
- IPC’s Poison Prevention Education Course—a free, online course with seven short lessons and quizzes, available in English and Spanish
- National Poison Prevention Week (the third week of March)
- “Day in the Life of a Poison Center” blog post
- Videos for children and students
- “My Child Ate...”—a resource library to help caregivers and others understand the toxicity of common substances and symptoms a child may experience after accidental ingestion or exposure
Share poison prevention in your community
IPC offers a variety of free print and promotion items that you can order once you've completed our Poison Prevention Education Course (available in English and Spanish). The promotional Items will be available until March 15, 2025, or while supplies last. Items include:
- 7-Day AM/PM Pill Organizer
- Children's Paint Sheet with Water Color Pallet
- Activity Book for Children and Seniors (12 pages)
- Caregivers Guide: Available in English and Spanish
- Poster Pack including five of IPC's most popular posters
- Safety Packets: Available in English and Spanish (Includes IPC sticker and magnet)
- Stickers
- Magnets
Here when you need us
80k
Total cases managed yearly
41%
Cases involving children ages 5 or under
90%
Cases from the public resolved over the phone