March 16, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Prevent Accidental Poisoning
National Poison Prevention Week is March 15-21.
WARRENTON, Va. – Poisonings can happen to anyone, at any age. Everyday items, like medications, cleaning products, cosmetics, and even certain plants, can be harmful if used incorrectly or accessed by children or pets. During National Poison Prevention Week, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District highlights steps Virginians can take to stay safe.
“Accidental poisoning can happen quickly, especially when medications, cleaning products, or chemicals are left within reach,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Simple precautions like storing products safely and keeping the Poison Help number handy can make a lifesaving difference for families in our community.”
Tips to Prevent Poisoning.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District shares simple steps families and caregivers can take to reduce injuries and save lives:
- Keep all medicines in their original containers with labels intact
- Store medicines, chemicals, and household cleaners in locked cabinets or out of children’s reach
- Install and maintain a working carbon monoxide detector
- Follow all label instructions when using cleaning products, pesticides, or chemicals
Fortunately, if a poison emergency happens, help is always available. Just call 1-800-222-1222.
Poison Help in Virginia
Virginia is served by two poison control centers that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Virginia Poison Center serves central and eastern Virginia. The Blue Ridge Poison Center services northern and western Virginia.
Calls are answered by specially trained registered nurses who can assess the situation and provide first-aid instructions. When needed, callers are referred to the nearest health care facility equipped to manage poison emergencies.
Of the 25,069 cases the Blue Ridge Poison Center handled in 2025, 68% were unintentional exposures. Adults, ages 20 years old and older, made up the largest group of callers. The most common substances: analgesics, antidepressants, cardiovascular medications, antihistamines, and household cleaners.
When to Call Poison Help
Virginians are urged to call 1‑800‑222‑1222 right away if someone may have:
- Swallowed something harmful
- Gotten a dangerous substance on their skin or in their eyes
- Breathed in a toxic fume or gas
- Overdosed on any substance
- Been bitten or stung by a snake, spider, or other venomous creature
Poison Help is only a phone call away. Calling Poison Help is free and confidential. You do not need to wait for symptoms to appear.
For additional information, please contact Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.
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