NOTES FROM NOFAS
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
August, 2006
For more information about NOFAS and alcohol and pregnancy please visit our Website at http://www.nofas.org/.
You can make an on-line tax-deductible donation in support of NOFAS programs to prevent FAS and support families touched by the disorder. Visit the NOFAS eStore and contribute today using our secure server.
TOP STORIES
NOFAS is Pleased to Announce Three New Affiliates
The NOFAS Affiliate Network has grown to a total of 11 state and international organizations. Our newest additions are located in Upstate NY, Illinois, and North Carolina.
National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
The Senate has declared September 9th as FASD Awareness Day. On July 12, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 499) designating September 9, 2006, as “National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.
High School Student Makes a Difference
A North Carolina student organized and held a successful golf fundraising event with proceeds going to NOFAS.
Kathy Mitchell and Daughter Karli to be Featured in Television Show
Kathy and Karli will share their stories and experiences living with FASD for a news segment on a New York City TV station. The interview will be conducted by Mary Murphy, an Emmy award-winning journalist.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Call for Papers: FAS International Congress in Reunion Island
The Congress will be held on April 26-28, 2007. Call for Papers
Ordering Materials on the NOFAS Website
We are in the process of updating our online shopping cart program and are temporarily unable to process credit card transactions. If you would like to order materials, please call 800-66NOFAS and we will be happy to assist you.
Help us keep our National Resource Directory Updated
We are continuously updating our resource directory but need your help. The Directory is online at http://www.nofas.org/resource/directory.aspx Please view the listings for your State, particularly the FASD Diagnostic Resources, and let us know of any additions or changes. Your help will enable us to provide more accurate information for parents and caregivers across the country looking for local support and treatment resources. Email updates to Terrell@nofas.org
What’s New!
Fetal Development Poster
NOFAS has created a poster that shows organ system development on a week by week basis throughout pregnancy.
The poster is an excellent visual aid that illustrates the most vulnerable periods for specific birth defects when alcohol is consumed during the pregnancy. The poster costs $5.00.
Contact Terrell@nofas.org for information.
Research Briefs
Fetal alcohol syndrome and its long-term effects
http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/medline/record/MDLN.16832326
Brain deficits associated with fetal alcohol exposure may be protected by peptides
http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/medline/record/MDLN.16488478
Reversal learning after prenatal or early postnatal alcohol exposure in juvenile and adult rats
Changes in the endorphin and serotonin content of rat immune cells during adulthood following maternal exposure to ethanol during pregnancy and lactation
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Here are a few events happening in the upcoming months. Know of an event in your area? We would be delighted to post it on our website. Please submit information to terrell@nofas.org
International FASD Awareness Day
September 9, 2006
National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month
September 2006
The 2006 Northwest Regional FASD Conference
October 5-6, 2006
Lynwood, WA
12th Annual Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH EPI) Conference
December 6-8, 2006
http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/MCHEpi/2006/AboutConference.htm
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Lara Terrell, MSW, Editor