Governor Proclaims Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month 2021

WHEREAS, Human service organizations, health care professionals, educators, and the public are called to action to work together to reduce the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Increase awareness on how FASD may present in individuals across the lifespan and the ongoing need for services and support for individuals living with FASD.

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth; with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) being the most recognizable condition along the spectrum; and

WHEREAS, studies that include research data from North Carolina estimate that up to 1 in 20 U.S. school children may have an FASD. Children with a diagnosed FASD incur 9 times more healthcare costs than children without a FASD; and

WHEREAS, the CDC reports that 3.3 million non-pregnant women of child-bearing age (15-44 years) are at risk for having an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. About half of all pregnancies are unplanned, contributing to late entry into prenatal care and presenting a barrier to optimal pregnancy management, particularly during the crucial early weeks of embryonic development; and

WHAREAS, in North Carolina, 55% of women drank alcohol before becoming pregnant.  This means an estimated 19,600 babies are born in North Carolina with alcohol exposure each year; and

WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the people of North Carolina are enhanced by the support of a state and national effort to educate about and prevent FASD; and

WHEREAS, the NC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program join with the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) as well as many dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, educators, and parent groups by participating in this promotion;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2021, as “FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.