Rep. Joe Rice Calls for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to be a "Public Health Priority"

The tenth annual Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day was observed on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.  State Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton) wants to remind everyone to spread the message to abstain from alcohol if you are pregnant or if you could be pregnant and to end the stigmatization of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and their families.

Awareness Day is recognized each year on September 9th. The ninth day of the ninth month was selected to call attention to the importance of abstaining from alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy.  September 9th should serve as only the beginning of a renewed effort to spread the word about the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

"Fetal alcohol syndrome is becoming a health crisis, said Rep. Rice.  "Over 125,000 newborns every year are prenatally exposed to heavy or binge drinking—the highest risk for FAS. Alcohol and pregnancy education must be elevated to a higher public health priority, and medical and mental health systems must better serve Colorado's families."

"Alcohol dependence is a disease that can be treated. Treatment works, saves money and prevents future FAS births," emphasized Rep. Rice.

Below are excerpts from United States Senate Resolution S.RES. 647, designating September 9, 2008, as `National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day'.

Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the leading cause of cognitive disability in the United States, and are 100 percent preventable;

Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause of numerous social disorders, including learning disabilities, school failure, juvenile delinquency, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, and crime;

Whereas the incidence rate of fetal alcohol syndrome is estimated at 1 out of 500 live births and the incidence rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is estimated at 1 out of every 100 live births;

Whereas, although the economic costs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are difficult to estimate, the cost of fetal alcohol syndrome alone in the United States was $5,400,000,000 in 2003 and it is estimated that each individual with fetal alcohol syndrome will cost taxpayers of the United States between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 in his or her lifetime;

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate--

designates September 9, 2008, as `National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day'; and
calls upon the people of the United States--
(i) to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol;
(ii) to increase compassion for individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol;
(iii) to minimize further effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol; and
(iv) to ensure healthier communities across the United States.

-- Posted by staff