Prenatal exposure to alcohol that results in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a 100% preventable cause of harmful birth conditions. Even though it affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States, and generates billions of dollars in annual economic costs, this major public health issue has not been addressed here in New Hampshire.
But one group is striving to change that.
The importance of including FASD in NH’s local, regional and state prevention agenda must be underscored. There has been no group in New Hampshire primarily dedicated to addressing FASD prevention, identification, and treatment – until now. A group of New Hampshire residents has joined together to become an affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). I had the honor of being named to the founding Board of Directors for the birth of NOFAS NH, an organization whose time has come.
NOFAS is the leading voice of FASD advocates nationwide. NOFAS educates practitioners, policymakers, and the public about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the harmful effects of alcohol use during pregnancy.
This affiliate has a motto that it really is committed to: NOFAS NH is “Turning up the Volume” on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder issues and concerns in our state through an emphasis on public awareness, primary prevention, education, appropriate treatment, and support. The ultimate goals of this collaboration are to build and maintain a strong system of supports and services to prevent FASD and to meet the needs of people and families in New Hampshire who are affected by this life-long disability.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are 100% preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink and no safe kind of alcohol.
NOFAS NH envisions a New Hampshire where all children are born alcohol (and other drug) free and where any resident with prenatal neurological brain damage has the support he or she needs to lead a successful and rewarding life. To that end, NOFAS NH is Turning up the Volume on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
The NOFAS NH Board of Directors has appointed Joyce Jorgensen as our founding Executive Director. She has dedicated a great deal of her life to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and we are privileged to have her. If you have any questions or are interested in more information, please e-mail joyce@nofasnh.org.
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