Women to Address Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
                           at North Carolina Summit

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME SPONSORS

HOPE FOR WOMEN IN RECOVERY SUMMIT

AND THE FIRST NATIONAL CIRCLE OF HOPE RETREAT

July 15, 2005, Washington, DC – The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will host 'Hope for Women in Recovery: Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Fetal Alcohol Exposure' on July 20th and 21st in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The event will bring together women in addiction treatment, substance abuse professionals, state agency representatives, state policymakers and legislators, and other key stakeholders to educate them on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and to facilitate the creation and enhancement of state systems of care for families affected by alcohol-related birth defects.

North Carolina is the third state selected to participate in this FASD pilot project that includes Maryland and Arizona.  The summit is designed to educate the highest-risk women with addictive disorders about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy, increase awareness of FASD, increase access to diagnostic services for alcohol-dependent women and persons with the disorder, increase the number of treatment centers that address/provide proper diagnosis, increase the number of centers adapting FASD appropriate treatment techniques, and reduce recidivism for women in recovery.  Funding for the North Carolina summit is provided by the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center for Excellence, a project of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Kathy Mitchell, NOFAS Vice President and National Spokesperson, and the birth mother of Karli an individual living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome said, “The Summit is the beginning of an effort to coordinate and enhance FASD and substance abuse services in North Carolina. Since the state already has outstanding resources and systems in place it is the ideal environment for innovative FASD programs and policies.” She added, “When the state’s decision makers understand the significance and tragedy of alcoholism and FASD—for the mother and her child—and that both can be effectively prevented or treated, I’m certain they will rally in support of women and families in need. No one should have to live with addiction or without a proper diagnosis for fifteen years like my daughter Karli.”

Preceding the two day summit is NOFAS' first national birth mothers network meet called the Circle of Hope Retreat. The mission of this program is to unite birth mothers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, assist in the process of recovery, and provide the mentoring and support needed to get through the process of grief.  The retreat allows for the unity of the women to set forth strategies for the year to come in the prevention of FASD and to share their stories, concerns, and most important – offer support.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. NOFAS develops and implements innovative ideas in prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy among diverse populations in communities nationally and internationally. For additional information or to participate in the summit or the retreat, or to request an interview with Kathy Mitchell, please contact Kelly Raiser, MPH, 202-785-4585, raiser@nofas.org.