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The recent news that Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn as President Barack Obama’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the new administration’s health care czar was disappointing to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community and a setback to all Americans interested in more accessible, more efficient and better quality health care.
It is disappointing because naturally the FASD field would have been thrilled to have one of our own in the president’s Cabinet. The fact that Senator Daschle has removed himself at this time from consideration for a formal role in the Obama administration, however, does not change the continuing progress toward FASD prevention and enhanced services from either within or outside of government. Whether a public official or a private citizen Tom Daschle has had and will have the very same influence on FASD attention and investment.
Since the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure were confirmed in the medical literature in 1973, no one has been more concerned about alcohol-related birth defects—specifically the consequences among American Indians and Alaska Natives and our most vulnerable populations—no one is more personally generous in support of NOFAS and our primary prevention and family support mission, and no one is more responsible for the progress made to prevent FASD and give individuals, families and communities the care and services they need, then Tom Daschle.
As those living with the condition know well, the extent of Tom and Linda Daschle’s personal attention, time and resources devoted to FASD education and prevention is unparalleled, and Senator Daschle’s public efforts are equally as significant. As a leading statesman of this generation, Tom Daschle has spent a career honoring the public trust and inspiring people in public and private service. While contending with national crises and demonstrating how our leaders can improve society, Senator Daschle has had a place for FASD on his agenda every step of the way. Whether observing FASD firsthand among the Sioux tribes of South Dakota, mentoring people with the condition, encouraging others to launch a prevention organization like NOFAS, or contributing time and resources to improve the health and livelihood of children and families, Tom and Linda Daschle are there to make the difference.
Health care reform may be an even greater challenge without his direct leadership, and that is no small hardship, yet the FASD fellowship will continue to grow and the promise of prevention will draw closer, just as it always has, with Tom Daschle showing the way.
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