March 15-21, 2026, is National Poison Prevention Week. This week is used to promote awareness of how to prevent and respond to poison incidents. People of all ages are at risk of poisoning, ranging from insect stings, medication overdoses, eating or touching poisonous plants, accidental exposure to household cleaners, or recreational drugs. The Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) provides free 24/7 emergency services to residents or physicians dealing with poisonous exposures.
Virginia has two poison center locations, the Virginia Poison Center and the Blue Ridge Poison Center that have specially trained staff answering calls to provide assistance and treatment. If the poisoning is serious, the call center will refer the caller to the nearest health care facility equipped to handle poisonings.
