CDC Launches Program to Protect Kids

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Four decades ago, the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission mandated child-resistant packaging for some most medicines. Now, some makers of some non-prescription drugs have signed on to make those medication containers child-resistant. (Photo Credit: Cade Martin)
Four decades ago, the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission mandated child-resistant packaging for some most medicines. Now, some makers of some non-prescription drugs have signed on to make those medication containers child-resistant. (Photo Credit: Cade Martin)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is drawing attention to an alarming hazard: kids overdosing on medication left within their reach.

In a collaborate effort with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Education Foundation and a coalition of partners, the Up and Away and Out of Sight initiative is being launched, urging parents and caretakers to follow a few simple steps to help protect children.

Each year 1 in 150 of the nations 2-year-olds are rushed to the emergency room because they got a hold of medication left in their reach. Up and Away and Out of Sight would teach the adults caring for children how to safely store medicines and what to do in case of an emergency.

Parents may not be aware of the danger posed by leaving medications where young children can reach them. In recent years, the number of accidental overdoses in young children has increased by 20 percent, said Dan Budnitz, M.D., director of the CDCs medication safety program. A few simple steps done every time can protect our children.

Up and Away and Out of Sight encourages that medications be stored high enough that children cant reach. Medicines should not be left out after being administered, including on kitchen counters or at bedsides. Kids should be taught medicine safety and they should not be lead to believe any medicine is candy, according to the program.

Poison control centers receive calls every day about young children getting into medicines without adult supervision. Thats why we encourage all parents and caregivers to follow these simple steps to ensure their childs safety, said American Association of Poison Control Centers President Richard Dart, M.D.

Four decades ago, the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission mandated child-resistant packaging for some most medicines. Now, some makers of some non-prescription drugs have signed on to make those medication containers child-resistant.

Even with proper improvements to packaging, no medication package can be 100 percent childproof, said Dart.

The partners want parents and caretakers to be more cautious and aware.

For more information on the Up and Away and Out of Sight program, log on to www.UpAndAway.org

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