Celebratory Poison Prevention Events from March 19-25, 2023
Rattlesnake Awareness Day
Tune in to Facebook for the live recording of Rattlesnake Awareness Day at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo on March 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM PST.
- Learn about rattlesnakes, including safety, first aid tips, and how to get help in the event of a bite.
- Presented live at by Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director of California Poison Control System Fresno/Madera Division, and Mark Halvorsen, Curator of Reptiles at Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Be the first to watch: Like and follow us on Facebook.
Access archived videos: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Close Calls Video Series
Watch the "Close Calls" video series on Facebook March 20-24, 2023, where our CPCS poison experts discuss common poisonings. Each session is led by CPCS' medical directors, Dr. Vohra and Dr. Rangan, featuring a special guest speaker. One topic video will be released daily, Monday to Friday.
- March 20: Rattlesnakes with Dr. Rais Vohra, Dr. Cyrus Rangan, and Dr. Serena Huntington of CPCS.
- March 21: Acetaminophen with Dr. Rais Vohra, Dr. Cyrus Rangan of CPCS and Steven Wiener of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
- March 22: Toxic Plants with Dr. Rais Vohra, Dr. Cyrus Rangan, and Dr. Richard Clark of CPCS.
- March 23: Button Batteries with Dr. Rais Vohra, Dr. Cyrus Rangan, and Dr. Seltzer of CPCS.
- March 24: Fentanyl with Dr. Rais Vohra, Dr. Cyrus Rangan, and Dr. Craig Smollin of CPCS.
Be the first to watch: Like and follow us on Facebook.
Access archived videos: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Daily Poison Text Tips
On Wednesdays, we send poison safety texts to our subscribers in English and Spanish. During Poison Prevention Week, receive daily poison text tips from Monday to Friday. Subscribe today to never miss out!
- Text TIPS to 20121 for English
- Text PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish
Community-Based Organization 2023 National Poison Prevention Week Activities
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), a Community-Based Organization partner of California Poison Control System, will host various activities from March 19-25, 2023 including:
- Weekly posting about Poison Prevention week on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Five 30-min TV programs on Hmong TV & 60-sec commercials on KBIF 900AM
- 3rd Annual Kids Poison Prevention Art Contest
- Poison Prevention Awareness Summer Carnival on March 25 from 11am to 3pm. Dr. Vohra from CPCS is appearing as a guest speaker. Join for a day full of entertainment, raffle, food/drinks, vendor fair, poison booths, and more!
- 30-min Poison Prevention presentations during parenting workshops in English, Spanish, and Russian
- Kids poison prevention activities and art contest
- Poison prevention presentation during Nowrooz community event in Darsi, Farsi, and English
- Poison prevention awareness booth & educational outreach for age group 0-12
Sacramento Children's Home, a partner of California Poison Control System, will be hosting a Resource Fair on Saturday March 25, 2023 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM:
- This will be a family-friendly resource fair.
- The CPCS Health Education team is running an information booth with giveaway items.
- Join us for food, games, and raffle prizes at Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center.
Volunteers of America Los Angeles Head Start, a Community-Based Organization partner of California Poison Control System, will host various activities from March 19-25, 2023 including:
- Organizing various activities for enrollees in their Head Start/Early Head Start programs, including a lead poisoning prevention class in English and Spanish, a poison poem activity, and an art contest for small children.
Collaborating Partners and Support
National Poison Prevention Week 2023 is supported by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and the Governor of California. View this year's 
Governor's Proclamation in support of Poison Prevention Week.
As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage all Californians to ask, ‘how safe is my home?’ Awareness of potentially harmful substances and diligence in safeguarding family members from exposure are key to ensuring the home is a safe space. Best practices include storing cosmetics and personal care products out of sight and reach of children, locking away cleaning products when not in use, and keeping medication containers closed.
—Governor Gavin Newsom
California Poison Control System collaborates with community organizations throughout California. Contact the Health Education Program team ([email protected]) for partnership opportunities and presentation requests.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, and Volunteers of America Los Angeles Head Start joined in Poison Prevention Week 2023 public events. Other organizations participating are Sacramento Children's Home Valley Hi Resource Center and more.
Health Education Resources
Would you like to learn more about poison safety? Access free resources, materials, and programs to help minimize poisonings in your community. Visit Health Education Resources.