Date
Monday
Mar
24

March 24

National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day

On National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day, let's raise awareness about the importance of safe and responsible medication use to prevent harmful reactions.

Yearly Date
March 24
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to raise awareness about adverse drug events on National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day, which takes place on March 24! This day was established in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to educate the public about the potential risks and dangers of medication. It's also a time to honor and support those who have been affected by these events, whether it be through prevention or treatment. Let's come together and spread the word about this important issue and work towards creating a safer and healthier society.

National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day Timeline

1962
Thalidomide Tragedy
The Thalidomide tragedy led to stricter drug regulations worldwide after around 10,000 children were born with severe deformities due to the drug.
1983
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting
FDA established the Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), a database that contains information on adverse event and medication error reports submitted to FDA.
1999
"To Err is Human" Report
The Institute of Medicine's "To Err is Human" report spotlighted medical errors, including adverse drug events, as a significant cause of death in the US.
2005
National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day Establishment
The CDC established National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day to educate the public about potential risks and dangers of medication.
2013
CDC Launches PROTECT Initiative
The CDC's PROTECT initiative seeks to advance coordinated, multisector efforts to prevent unintentional medication overdoses in children.
2020
COVID-19 and Hydroxychloroquine
Increased public awareness of adverse drug events following widespread use and subsequent safety concerns about Hydroxychloroquine as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

How to Celebrate National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day

1

Host a medication safety seminar

Gather friends and family to learn more about the importance of medication safety and how to prevent adverse drug events. Invite a healthcare professional to speak and provide helpful tips for staying safe while taking medications.

2

Create a social media campaign

Spread awareness about National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day by creating a social media campaign. Share information and statistics about adverse drug events and encourage others to join in on the conversation using a designated hashtag.

3

Organize a medication review day

Partner with a local pharmacy or healthcare facility to offer free medication reviews on National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day. This will give individuals the opportunity to discuss their medications with a professional and potentially identify any potential adverse drug events.

4

Create a medication safety pledge

Design and distribute a medication safety pledge for individuals to sign and commit to taking their medications safely. This can be a fun and interactive way to raise awareness and promote responsible medication use.

5

Donate to a medication safety organization

Consider making a donation to an organization that focuses on promoting medication safety and preventing adverse drug events. This is a great way to support the cause and make a positive impact on the community.

Why National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day is Important

A

It raises awareness about adverse drug events

National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day brings attention to the harmful effects of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. By highlighting these issues, more people will be informed and hopefully take necessary precautions to prevent these events from happening.

B

It promotes education and prevention

With more awareness comes more education on how to prevent adverse drug events. National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day encourages individuals to learn about their medications, potential side effects, and proper usage in order to minimize risks and avoid unnecessary harm.

C

It advocates for improved safety and regulation

By bringing attention to adverse drug events, this day also amplifies the voices of those who have been affected by them. This can lead to advocacy for stricter regulations and measures to improve drug safety, ultimately preventing future incidents from occurring.

National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 23
Thursday
2024
Mar 23
Saturday
2025
Mar 23
Sunday
2026
Mar 23
Monday
2027
Mar 23
Tuesday