Mr. Yuk is excited to announce this year’s Poison Prevention Week poster contest winner…Kaleo Smith, age 10, of Anacortes! As part of our annual Poison Prevention Week celebration, the Washington Poison Center held a children’s poster contest with the theme, “Be Safe with Mr. Yuk.” Kaleo’s design highlights the safe use of chemicals, especially ones in spray cans, around the house. Kaleo’s winning poster can be found on the Washington Poison Center’s website. For his efforts, Kaleo wins a check for $500, a visit from Mr. Yuk, and his artwork featured on the statewide 2013 Poison Prevention Week poster. The contest sponsor, Umpqua Bank, will also display his poster at each of their Western Washington branches.
“Kaleo made excellent use of Mr. Yuk in his design. Putting Mr. Yuk stickers on cleaners, chemicals, and other products helps remind us to be safe.” said Jim Williams, Executive Director of WAPC. “We are grateful to Umpqua Bank for sponsoring our contest. Their support is indispensable in helping us spread the word to all residents of our state regarding the dangers of poison.”
March 17-23, 2013, is National Poison Prevention Week and the staff at the Washington Poison Center is asking all Washington State residents to help celebrate by raising awareness about poison prevention and Mr. Yuk, in homes and schools. Visit the poison center’s website at www.wapc.org for safety tips, handouts and teaching materials. As always, a sheet of the infamous Mr. Yuk stickers can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Washington Poison Center or by picking them up at your nearest Bartell Drugs Pharmacy.
Mr. Yuk, the symbol of poison safety, has been part of the culture in Washington State since 1974. This year, during the month of March, in addition to appearing at Family night at the Anacortes Boys and Girls Club on March 14th to meet Kaleo, Mr. Yuk will walk in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 16th in Seattle and appear at the following Bartell Drug stores:
- March 22nd – Renton Fairwood 3:00pm – 6:00pm
- March 23rd – Sammamish 10:00 am – 1:00pm
- March 23rd – Seattle Hill Road 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Remember, if you are concerned that a poisoning may have occurred, or have a question about medications, over-the-counter or alternative drugs, or chemicals, call our 24/7 hotline immediately, at 1-800-222-1222. Calling within Washington State will connect you to one of the Washington Poison Center’s specially-trained pharmacists, nurses, or poison specialists. Poison help is always free and confidential. Services are available for people with hearing problems and for non-English speakers. If your pet is exposed to a potential toxin, call our fee-for-service VET PETS hotline at 1-800-572-5842.