For the Reporter

Mr. Yuk, the lovable mascot of the Washington Poison Center, wants children to send in artwork for the 8th annual statewide Poison Prevention Poster Contest.

The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) uses the Poster Contest to remind parents and children to be vigilant about poisons and drugs. The winning poster will be part of the 2015 Poison Prevention Week campaign, celebrated across the state during the third week in March.

The Poison Center is looking for young artists to create poison safety awareness through eye-catching posters displaying suggestions on how Mr. Yuk helps them avoid being poisoned. The contest is open to all 6- to 12-year-olds in the state.

The top prize earns $500, a visit from Mr. Yuk to their school or program, a trip to the Capitol to meet their legislators, and having their winning design featured as the poster for Poison Prevention Week in Washington State. Four runners-up will receive $100. All contest participants will receive a gift from Mr. Yuk in the mail.

WAPC will accept poster entries postmarked between Sept. 26, 2014 and Jan, 9, 2015. The winner and runners-up will be announced in late February.

“The best time to begin poison and drug education is with children and our poster contests help increase awareness of poison safety and our free services through our 1-800-222-1222 number,” said Carrie Ulvestad, Interim Executive Director of the WAPC, “after all, the Poison Center is the best place for people to call with questions and for emergencies regarding medications, bites, stings, household products or anything that can cause poisoning.” Mr. Yuk has been an icon for poison safety in Washington State since 1973.

For more information on the poster contest, including the required contest entry form, visit www.wapc.org.