NOTES FROM NOFAS
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
April, 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
*Reminder*
NOFAS Has Several Major Upcoming Events
Join us in Washington DC for the NOFAS Donor Breakfast, Annual Leadership Awards Benefit and Hill Day.
Join the NOFAS Affiliate Network
NOFAS is pleased to announce that the 2006 Affiliate Network application process is now open.
NOFAS’ Middle School and High School Curriculum Hits the Streets of New York
A meeting between Susan Rose of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Support Network of New York City and Long Island (FASSN Inc.) and NOFAS board members Patti Munter and Dr. Michael Wolf resulted in getting the support needed to pilot test the new NOFAS curriculum in New York City schools.
Project REACH Continues Success
NOFAS would like to call attention to the incredible work of the REACH project; a peer health education program for Native American youth ages 11-15.
NOFAS March Events
NOFAS staff conducted presentations and attended meetings both in our local area and across the country during the month of March.
The Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network’s 5th Annual Nursing Student Conference
FASD was the theme for the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network’s (MVPN) 5th Annual Nursing Student Conference held in Utica, NY.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOFAS Washington Needs You
NOFAS Washington State is looking for volunteers to assist with a number of community activities this year.
The Women’s Health Behavior Project at St. Louis University is Seeking Participants for Research Project
This CDC Funded project is seeking women in the St. Louis, MO metro area to participate in a self-guided behavior modification project that will help them identify, and decrease their risks of having an alcohol exposed pregnancy.
NOFAS Remembers Dr. Paul Lemoine
Dr. Paul Lemoine, one of the earliest researchers on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, died last month. He was from Nantes France.
What’s New!
NOFAS’ Fact Sheets Now Online
You can find an assortment of our fact sheets (both in English and Russian) and PSA’s on our website at:
http://www.nofas.org/resource/factsheet.aspx
We encourage you to download and disseminate these fact sheets at your local FASD events, health fairs, schools, in the community, etc. We can also provide copies of our PSA’s including the award winning “Infinite Power” PSA.
Research Briefs
Beer Consumption Among Hazardous Drinkers During Pregnancy
http://www.greenjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/107/2/355
Prevention of Alcohol-Induced Learning Deficits in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Mediated Through NMDA and GABA Receptors
http://www.ajog.org/article/PIIS0002937806000469/abstract
Maternal Smoking, Drinking or Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Functioning in Human Offspring
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
National Alcohol Awareness Month
April
Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987, encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues.
http://www.ncadd.org/programs/awareness/aamk2006.html
National Alcohol Screening Day
April 6, 2006
National Alcohol Screening Day® (NASD) is an annual event that provides information about alcohol and health as well as free, anonymous screening for alcohol-use disorders. Learn more and locate an event in your area.
http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/events/nasd/
Educating Every Child Institute: Meeting the Needs of Children in Special Education
April 11-13, 2006
San Diego, CA
http://www.nativefamilynetwork.com/EEC%20PDF.pdf
New Frontiers In Maternal And Infant Health Care: Ethics, Outcomes And Practices In The 21st Century
June 7-8, 2006
Honolulu, HI
http://www.hmhb-hawaii.org/PDF/2006_june_conference.pdf
SAMHSA’s 2006 National Conference on Women, Addiction and Recovery: News You Can Use
July 12-14, 2006
Anaheim, CA
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Lara Terrell, MSW, Editor