Big news for the FASD community! The President has officially signed the SUPPORT Act into law — and with it, the long-awaited FASD Respect Act is now authorized. This milestone reflects years of dedication, advocacy, and partnership across the country.

 Many of our colleagues from across the nation worked tirelessly on this effort! We are so proud of what they were able to accomplish and so excited for what the future holds for the FASD community!

 The FASD Respect Act does more than establish funding pathways. It directs the federal government to take a stronger, more informed approach to supporting individuals and families affected by FASD — one that values lived experience and prioritizes real solutions. With this law in place, we can now push for the resources and services that will create meaningful change.

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“Experts are calling for clearer labelling on low-alcohol drinks to distinguish them from alcohol-free options, amid growing popularity among pregnant women and a significant lack of information.”

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 “Join the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare’s (NCSACW) on December 17^th for a webinar exploring how substance use trends affect child safety and family risk factors. National experts will offer strategies to improve outcomes for families.”

Register HERE!

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 “The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published a CDC-led report that used national survey data to assess how implementation of legal sales for nonmedical cannabis might influence alcohol use during pregnancy… Implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales was significantly associated with a 4.96 percentage point increase in binge drinking during pregnancy.”

View article!

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Healthcare professionals can enroll now for virtual FASD training that starts in February. Learn how to identify and care for individuals with possible or diagnosed FASD by participating in the SAFEST Choice National Learning Collaborative, a free HRSA-funded virtual training led by Boston Medical Center and Proof Alliance. Participants receive free continuing education credits (physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers). For more information on how you and your practice can be part of the SAFEST Choice National Learning Collaborative, email: safestchoice [AT] bmc [DOT] org.

 Register today!

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

 Earlier this month, FASD United released its National Education Survey. This year, a small group of educators and FASD advocates worked to enhance the portion of the survey focused on educators and those in the larger education system. Previous years’ surveys have demonstrated that students with FASD and their families often face barriers and challenges when trying to access educational supports and services. These issues are seen across schools, districts, and states.

It is estimated that 1 in 20 students have FASD. This means that, on average, at least one student in every single classroom is living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Despite the prevalence of FASD, many educators often don’t know about FASD, the unique ways it differs from other brain-based disabilities, or how to best serve students living with FASD.   

This year we are encouraging self-advocates and their families to both take the survey and to share it with the educators in their life. This could be their current or former teachers, principals/school administrators, paraeducators, and even those in teacher preparation programs. The aim is to gain a broader understanding of the gaps and opportunities in the current system so that FASD United and our partners can develop and refine programs and policies designed to meet the needs of students, their families, and the educational professionals that support them. 

 Take survey!

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