The United States faces a maternal health crisis as mortality rates continue to accelerate at an alarming pace. Many elements impact the increased risk of pregnancy complications that lead to maternal death, yet more than 80 percent of these deaths are considered preventable. Notably, racial and ethnic disparities exist as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities are at least two to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women.

It is critical to acknowledge that mental and substance use disorders are common conditions that complicate the perinatal period and are currently the leading cause of maternal mortality. North Carolina is particularly affected, having reported disproportionate rates of pregnancy-related deaths from mental health conditions and injuries that are largely attributed to overdose. Moreover, discrimination is recorded as the most prevalent contributory factor.

Registration for the MMHSUD Summit!

OPTIMIZING OUTCOMES: MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS SUMMIT
Friday, August 14, 2026
DoubleTree Atlantic Beach
Oceanfront
2717 W Fort Macon Rd
ATLANTIC BEACH, NC
Check-In 7:00 am
Program 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

 #PROOFALLIANCE  #ALCOHOLANDPREGNANCY  #PREVENTFASD  #FASDMATTERS  #FASDUNITED  #FASDSUPPORT  #NCFASDINFORMED  #WEHAVETHEPROOF  #MENTALHEALTHAWARENESSMONTH 3NCMATTERS

“Jude Warren, 15 year-old son of NCFASD Informed board member Holly Warren, and big brother to Mason, gave an excellent presentation to 45 community members at the Rotary Club of Kinston, NC, entitled "FASD Advocacy: The Importance of Community Awareness of the Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure". Jude demonstrated his subject matter knowledge not only through his presentation delivery, but also in providing accurate and detailed responses during Q&A. In appreciation for Jude's offering, the club donated a copy of "Raising Kids and Teens with FASD" by Barb Clark to the local public library.”

 Learn more about NCFASD Informed!

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 FASD United is excited to share 2 new fact sheets.  “What Social Workers Should Know About FASD” describes how social workers can support families and individuals affected by FASD through various strategies, such as support plans and resource navigation.

Our fact sheet, “How Social Workers Can Use SBIRT to Prevent Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy” was created in partnership with the NASW Foundation and the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and describes how social workers can help prevent prenatal alcohol exposure by implementing universal alcohol screening. 

Access Fact Sheets!

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 The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is hosting a webinar on May 28^th at 3:00pm eastern on FASD.  “This webinar provides an update on the latest information about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders for advanced practice nurses, nurse-midwives, and nurses.”

 Register here!

  #PROOFALLIANCE  #ALCOHOLANDPREGNANCY  #PREVENTFASD  #FASDMATTERS  #FASDUNITED  #FASDSUPPORT  #NCFASDINFORMED  #WEHAVETHEPROOF  #MENTALHEALTHAWARENESSMONTH

 Sharing for  Information Purposes Only!

 If you have not yet had a chance to submit your testimony to the US Senate in support of increased FASD funding, you have until May 22nd at 6:00 PM Eastern. 

The incredible advocacy of the FASD community got the FASD Respect Act passed in 2025, but passing a law and funding its programs are two different things. Right now, the US Senate is deciding how to spend money in 2027, and you can have a direct impact on how the Senate funds FASD programs. 

FASD United has made it easy: we have written the testimony and provided instructions for submission. All you have to do is add your voice and send it in.

More Information, HERE!

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“This episode, developed through a collaboration between FASD United, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Medical Assistant Partnership for Healthy Pregnancies and Families at the University of Nevada, Reno, features expert perspectives from Douglas Waite, MD, FAAP; Roxanne Chang, MD, FAAP; Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP; and Sandra Gonzalez, LCSW, PhD, and is hosted by Sarah Brown, MPH. Together, these healthcare professionals offer an evidence‑based overview of prenatal alcohol use (PAE) and FASDs across the lifespan.

 Learn more!

 #PROOFALLIANCE  #ALCOHOLANDPREGNANCY  #PREVENTFASD  #FASDMATTERS  #FASDUNITED  #FASDSUPPORT  #NCFASDINFORMED  #WEHAVETHEPROOF  #MENTALHEALTHAWARENESSMONTH