A new study conducted by birth defects research experts from the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) launches to examine the short and long-term effects of the novel COVID-19 virus in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The observational study will consist of phone calls over the course of volunteers’ pregnancies and post-delivery, and/or breastmilk samples, as well as a release of medical records related to the pregnancy and the infant’s development.

If interested in participating, Click HERE to learn more.

Replacing bar meetups with virtual happy hours might offer a much-needed salve during the novel corona virus pandemic, but downing too much alcohol could also reduce your immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases, according to numerous studies. Article by J. Cavanaugh Simpson with Global Health Now.

Read article HERE!

“In the age of this new and deadly virus, most American school districts have closed their doors, hoping remote learning can serve as a replacement in the coming weeks or even months.

But few districts have figured out how to extend this online learning and other critical services to the 7 million children with disabilities.”

– Washington Post

Read Story HERE!

“A cross-sector group of 88 organizations from the mental health and substance misuse, public health and patient-advocacy sectors are jointly calling on the Trump Administration and Congress to address the immediate and long term mental health and substance misuse treatment needs of all Americans as part of their COVID-19 response. Such consideration is especially important as the anxiety and social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to increase the need for mental health and substance misuse care, according to the group’s leaders.”

Learn More, HERE!

The Coronavirus has spawned a flurry of cancellations of so many activities in which our loved ones participate. Thus, they lose the lack of structure which is so comforting. Without routine, those affected by FASD may feel unsettled and have feelings of sadness, frustration, impatience, fear of the future, and trauma related feelings may raise their head. In times of stress, we know that children may be more demanding of those around them.

Let’s face it: challenges related to COVID-19 can be stressful. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has changed all our lives so dramatically that fear and anxiety may be starting to show itself. In these unsettling times, it’s only natural to turn to things that make us feel better in order to cope with the chaos that is surrounding us. People react differently to stressful situations, and they don’t always look for healthy ways to cope. In fact, it’s not uncommon to want to have a glass of wine (or more) during a stressful situation. If you are pregnant, we want to remind you that there is no safe time, amount, or type of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.