Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mental retardation at NOFAS

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Protecting children and families by fighting the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects

E-mail this page | Print this page | Bookmark this page | Link to us

More Information

	Board of Directors
	NOFAS Staff
	Calendar of Events
	Need a Speaker or FASD Trainer?
	FASD Hall of Fame
	News Archive
	Search News Archive
	Join the NOFAS Network
	NOFAS Programs
	Career Opportunities

“We know what we need to do in order to address this epidemic, and it involves some very simple things, like proper maternal and child health care, where we can make sure a pregnant woman has resources available to get the treatment and support she is going to need in order to make it through her pregnancy without drinking.”
Rep. Patrick Kennedy

NOFAS Affiliate Network

NOFAS Affiliate Member Login

NOFAS believes that the best way—likely the only way—to fulfill the promise of prevention and truly meet the needs of people with FASD and their caregivers is to work collectively. In 2000, NOFAS affiliated with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) to join forces on select FASD awareness and advocacy projects.

The NOFAS Affiliate Network was officially established seven years ago to open permanent lines of communication among FASD colleagues and organizations, share resources, unify core values and messages, and turn up the volume on the appeal for attention and resources. Today the network consists of twenty-one member organizations.

Fortunately, there are many dedicated and effective FASD advocates and organizations. By working together in pursuit of a few key goals our achievements can grow exponentially. NOFAS believes that networks are the most effective way to disseminate a message when faced with limited resources, and to be taken seriously by the medical, education, and justice communities, not to mention the general public. There are numerous recent examples of success among other public health issues such as autism when like-minded groups collaborate. The FASD community could benefit significantly by working together to overcome public misconceptions about alcohol and pregnancy and leverage resources.

The primary goal of the NOFAS Affiliate program is to unite FASD organizations into an international network for the purpose of preventing FASD and meeting the needs of people living with the disorder, while each member organization maintains its independence and identity.

Objectives

Share information and resources
Build the capacity of the FASD constituency and increase advocacy
Set common goals and messages
Seek consensus on issues within the FASD arena
Collaborate on a range of public health and advocacy programs and services
Leverage resources

Principles

NOFAS and each affiliate organization respects:

the identity, culture, policies and traditions of each affiliated organization
the image, reputation and public standing of each affiliated organization
individuals with FASD and their families/caregivers, and strives to overcome the stigma and boundaries associated with the disorder

Benefits to Affiliates

Free and discounted materials
Free or discounted attendance to NOFAS events and activities, including conferences, benefits and briefings
Technical Assistance consisting of both strategic advice and sample materials on topics such as developing a logic model (goal, objectives, outcomes), incorporation and securing non-profit status, grassroots advocacy, fundraising and proposal development, public awareness strategies, materials and website development, nonprofit governance and administration, etc.
Participation in the annual affiliates summit
Free monthly legislative/policy advocacy conference call
Free monthly program conference call
Access to the Foundation Center online
Promotion of your organization and programs
Members only website featuring affiliate materials
Enhanced visibility

Eligibility

Any incorporated non-profit entity with a focus on FASD or other compatible mission may apply. American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, University programs and entities working toward incorporation and/or who are seeking their non-profit status are also eligible to apply.

2009 Affiliate Network Agenda

Among the current priorities are supporting the inclusion of FASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-V), scheduled to be published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2012. Although identifying FAS and other conditions under the FASD umbrella is primarily a medical diagnosis, long-established research confirms that mental health disorders are common among individuals with FAS. The DSM-V Task Force is examining the case for including Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), or another condition under the FASD umbrella, in the revised edition. Inclusion could lead to standardized diagnosis, treatment and reimbursement for practitioners serving the mental health needs of persons with FASD, while maintaining the primary diagnosis as a medical condition.

The network also plans to explore the issue of mandatory warning posters and information advising pregnant women to abstain from alcohol in establishments selling or serving alcohol, including stores, restaurants and bars. Currently nineteen states and the District of Columbia require such advisories. The NOFAS affiliates will seek to enforce existing requirements and advocate for all states to adopt posting laws.

On June 24, 2009 NOFAS affiliate and advocates held a meeting on Capitol Hill with policymakers to consider FASD policy recommendations.

2009 Affiliate Calendar

NOFAS hosts an affiliate conference call on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
NOFAS hosted a breakfast for affiliate members participating in the FASD Center for Excellence National Association of State Coordinators Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Wednesday, May 13.
The annual NOFAS Affiliate Network Summit was held in Washington, D.C. on June 23

For more information or to apply to become a member organization contact NOFAS at affiliates@nofas.org.