National Poison Prevention Week takes place from March 16 to 22, 2025, encouraging people in Canada to check their homes for potential poisons and take steps to prevent poisoning before it happens. This annual campaign raises awareness about poisoning risks and highlights the importance of community involvement in keeping people safe. Health Canada is urging the public to learn more about poison prevention and the resources available, including poison centres and the national POISON-X phone line.
Health Canada’s toll-free helpline, 1-844 POISON-X, connects callers with poison centres across the country. Available 24/7, this service provides immediate medical advice in case of suspected poisoning. It also helps reduce unnecessary hospital visits, easing the strain on the healthcare system. Poison centres handle over 210,000 calls each year, resolving more than 60% of cases over the phone. By offering quick and expert advice, these centres help people manage many poisoning incidents at home.
Health Canada encourages everyone to save the 1-844 POISON-X number in their phones and share it with friends, family, and their community. Knowing who to call in an emergency can save lives. For more information on safely buying, using, storing, and disposing of medications, health products, and household chemicals, visit Canada.ca.