Mission and Objectives

Mission
NOFAS strives to prevent alcohol use during pregnancy and supports individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Vision
A nation where all children are born alcohol free.

Purpose
NOFAS educates the public, practitioners, and policymakers about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD , the leading known preventable cause of brain damage, developmental disabilities, and birth defects, and a leading known cause of learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and adults.

Shared Values and Beliefs
We believe FASD is a national health crisis. Nearly 100,000 newborns in the U.S. every year are exposed to heavy or binge drinking—the highest risk for FASD—during their prenatal development. Alcohol and pregnancy education must be elevated to a higher public health priority and medical and mental health care systems must better serve all families in need.

We believe society still does not see or understand the magnitude of FASD. Many myths and misconceptions about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy remain despite nearly 40 years of clinical research. Broad public education and media outreach must be sustained to teach the facts about FASD and the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy.

We believe that to open the minds of those who can make a difference, we must remove the addiction and maternal stigma. Alcohol dependence is a chronic, progressive disease that can be successfully treated. Treatment works, saves money and prevents future FASD births. Shaming and punishing birth mothers perpetuates the crisis and misunderstanding of the issue.

We believe that …

• FASD is the leading known preventable cause of developmental disabilities and birth defects, and a leading known cause of learning disabilities.
• FASD annual births are greater than the new cases of Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, and sudden infant death syndrome – COMBINED.
• FASD prevention is at least ten-times more cost effective than the $1.4 million lifetime cost to treat one person with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
• FASD can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, income, or educational level.
• FASD is completely preventable.
• FASD children and adults can succeed with access to services and appropriate intervention.
• FASD birth mothers deserve therapeutic intervention and treatment.
• FASD families and caregivers deserve a voice among researchers and policymakers.

Strategic Objectives

• Effectively communicate the facts about the significant risk and potential harm of prenatal alcohol exposure.
• Promote national policies that enhance knowledge of FASD and ensure services for individuals and families.
• Extend our reach through partnerships and coalitions.
• Enhance the operation of the organization and our programs to fulfill our vision, mission and objectives.
• Maintain our credibility and distinguished public standing within the FASD community and among the public at-large.
• Diversify and increase revenue streams and resources to accomplish our mission.
• Ensure that our team has the focus of mission, the resources to be productive, and the passion to succeed.