fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) awareness day

Every year on September 9, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is observed. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of each year, our community would remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.

FASD serves as an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual who is prenatally exposed to alcohol. There are many types of disorders associated with FASD, ranging from the very severe to the mildly impacting. Effects to the child may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. The damage is irreversible leading to life-long consequences. Each year, as many as 40,000 babies are born with FASD in the U.S. Approximately 1 in 100 babies in Montgomery County are born with FASD each year.

The good news is that FASD is 100% preventable!

The Montgomery County FASD Task Force is asking you to join the Not A Single Drop campaign and help raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. There are many ways to get involved in this very important conversation – particularly by sharing the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

Take the Pledge
Take the pledge and promise to tell others about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or know someone who is pregnant – sharing this important information is key to preventing FASD.