MEDIA ADVISORY: MU, Columbia Participate in National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

Story Contact(s):
Jesslyn Chew, ChewJ@missouri.edu

By Diamond Dixon

WHAT:
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a range of developmental disabilities that can occur in individuals whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. Each year in the United States, nearly 40,000 babies are born with FASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid formally will proclaim Sept. 9 as FASD Awareness Day. The ninth day of the ninth month of the year is recognized nationwide as FASD Awareness Day and represents the nine months of pregnancy during which women should abstain from alcohol. On that day, individuals, organizations and communities across the country organize events and special ceremonies to increase awareness of FASD and promote compassion for individuals with the disorders.

WHO:
Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid

WHERE & WHEN:
9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 9 
Jesse Hall, south porch
MU Campus

NOTE:
The event is free and open to the public. For more information about FASD, visit: http://www.nofas.org/factsheets/ or http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html