Proof Alliance NC News & Events

Call to Action: Public Comment Period to Extend PRAMS

13 January 2026

A federal public comment period is currently open through January 20, allowing you or your organization to advocate for extending the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). PRAMS data collection is set to expire in March 2026. PRAMS is one of the only data sources in the United States that captures information on the timing and amount of alcohol use during pregnancy at a population level. Click here for more information and sample language.

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CDC Shares Updated National Birth Defects Prevalence Estimates as Part of Birth Defects Awareness Month

12 January 2026

“This month, CDC released updated national estimates of birth defects. These estimates are the foundational data that America uses to understand the number and type of birth defects affecting infants. Accurate estimates are critical to clinicians and jurisdictions providing services and care to impacted families, allowing for planning and resource allocation.”

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Could AI Help Doctors Spot Risky Drinking Habits?

09 January 2026

“A study suggests that artificial intelligence might help increase the chance that people with risky drinking patterns or signs of alcohol use disorder will get the outreach and help they need. That’s important, because only about 10% of people who qualify for the diagnosis of AUD have actually gotten help in the past year.”

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NCSACW’s Webinar on FASD: Data, Systems, and Strategies for Change

09 January 2026

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Data, Systems, and Strategies for Change

January 21, 2026 2:00 pm ET

“This free 1-hour session from the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW) explores FASD through the statutory lens of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and will review shared responsibilities across health care, child welfare, education, substance use treatment, and other systems, while also examining community norms that influence prevention and intervention.”

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Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Impact on Neuroimmune Function in the Stress Response and Pain

07 January 2026

“In an effort to contextualize central nervous system (CNS) processing of stress and resultant mood disorders that are exacerbated by PAE, this review outlines the fundamentals of the neurocircuitry of stress from the perspective of the central autonomic network (CAN).”
- Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

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January is National Birth Defects Prevention/Awareness Month

05 January 2026

Prevention and Healthy Pregnancy Tips

While not all birth defects are preventable, health organizations emphasize five key steps to increase

the chances of a healthy pregnancy:

Folic Acid: Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day to help prevent major defects of the developing baby’s brain and spine.
Medical Care: See a healthcare professional regularly, especially when planning a pregnancy, to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and review medications.
Vaccinations: Stay up to date with vaccines, including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, to prevent infections that can harm a developing baby.
Lifestyle Choices: Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, which can lead to serious complications and long-term health issues for the infant.
Healthy Weight: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet to reduce the risk of certain structural defects.