Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of disabilities that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth; and

WHEREAS, FASD can cause challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, growth, cognition, and adaptive function; and, can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and

WHEREAS, FASD is often accompanied by medical conditions that impact quality of life; and

WHEREAS, FASD affects as many as 1 in 20 school-aged children in the United States and are complex lifelong disorders that affect each person differently, resulting in unique challenges; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis and intervention tailored to individual needs can have lifelong benefits, easing the transition to adulthood and fostering greater independence; and

WHEREAS, although FASD can be prevented by supporting pregnancies free of alcohol, prevention efforts should be balanced with support and intervention for people living with FASD; and

WHEREAS, human service organizations, health care professionals, educators, and the public are called to action to work together to better understand and support individuals with FASD; and

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day promotes increased awareness of how FASDs may present in individuals across the lifespan and the ongoing need for services and support for individuals living with FASD while also spreading the message that there is no safe time during pregnancy to consume alcohol;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 9, 2024, as FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations