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August 15, 2005, Washington DC – September 9th each year is a special day in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) world. This day is observed as the International FASD Awareness Day across the globe to signify the importance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. The ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month has become symbolic of a day that emphasizes on the need for an alcohol free pregnancy. The United States Senate, for the second consecutive year, adopted a resolution designating this day as the National FASD Awareness Day. Several activities have been planned nationwide to commemorate this day.
One of NOFAS’ goals is to educate Congress to take notice of the rising number of FASD births each year and to draw attention to the alarming economic costs of FASD to the nation which was estimated at $5,400,000,000 in 2003. NOFAS hopes to accomplish this goal by increasing membership for the FASD House Caucus. Since May 2005, the membership on the caucus has increased from 28 to 34 members. Meetings with several congressional offices over the past few weeks have been extremely fruitful and NOFAS has received confirmation from various congressional offices that they would display FASD awareness posters in the hallways of Congress on September 9. These offices have also agreed to disseminate information to their local offices and have them distributed to various state and local agencies.
NOFAS will co-sponsor several community based initiatives in Washington, South Dakota, Minnesota and Connecticut to observe September 9th as FASD Awareness Day. Kathy Mitchell, NOFAS Vice President, National Spokesperson and a birth mother of a daughter with FASD will be traveling to South Dakota for a two-day training session for foster care and adoption professionals and families. The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has planned to host a pregnant pause public awareness campaign. In Connecticut, NOFAS’ affiliate will organize an educational breakfast for policymakers. In several other states numerous activities have been planned to commemorate this day.
For more information on local FASD events or to get involved, help and participate in a NOFAS sponsored FASD Awareness Day event, please call NOFAS at 202-785-4585.
For more on the Senate Resolution, please visit: http://www.fascenter.samhsa.gov/pdf/fetal_alcohol_day_2005.pdf
For information on the FASD House Caucus, please visit: http://www.house.gov/pallone/fasd_caucus/welcome.shtml
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