On Sept. 3, Governor Pat Quinn issued a proclamation, declaring Sept. 9, 2013, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in the state of Illinois. FASD is the only 100 percent preventable cause of developmental disabilities. These disabilities are lifelong conditions that include issues such as brain damage, facial deformities and growth abnormalities. In addition, heart, kidney and liver defects may occur.
People with an FASD often have difficulty communicating, learning and memorizing, deficits that can cause problems in school and on the job. Therefore, the awareness day encourages women of childbearing age to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. In addition, it alerts parents to seek early diagnosis and services for children so they can learn to manage and/or overcome symptoms.
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The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFAS) Illinois (administered by Trinity Services, Inc.) has worked consistently to inform the public about the dangers of drinking and pregnancy. For instance, it recently initiated a Chicagoland awareness campaign using cards with candy attached and a message about FASD. The cards invite the recipient to learn about FASD and enter monthly drawings to win $100. They are planned for an entire year, and the Sept. 9 drawing, at 1 p.m., is the first. To be eligible, the card holder answers a short quiz about alcohol and pregnancy here: www.nofasillinois.org/candycard.
