HR0198 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0198 LRB097 11190 GRL 52833 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of Illinois should be made aware of the ever-present dangers posed by potentially poisonous household substances; and

WHEREAS, Children have access to over-the-counter and prescription medications and potentially toxic household products too often; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 49 years, the nation has observed National Poison Prevention Week to help prevent accidental poisonings and to provide tips for promoting community involvement in poison prevention; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Poison Center is a mainstay in the emergency medical care system of the State of Illinois and is recognized nationally for its contributions to poison treatment and prevention; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Poison Center is a key component of the State's bioterrorism readiness network, standing ready to assist the Illinois Department of Public Health and local authorities in the event of a biochemical or radiation incident; and

WHEREAS, Half of the nearly 90,000 poisonings reported last year to the Illinois Poison Center involved children under the age of six and could have been prevented; and

WHEREAS, More than 90% of the calls received from the public are treated over the phone, quickly and safely, by the experienced and highly-qualified staff of the Illinois Poison Center; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Poison Center saves Illinois more than $50 million in unnecessary health care costs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate March of 2011 as Illinois Poison Prevention Month in the State of Illinois, and we encourage all citizens to learn more about the Illinois Poison Center's poisoning prevention programs and the steps that can be taken to create safe and healthful home, play, and work environments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Poison Center.