NOFAS – The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The International Awareness Day for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, September 9,2009

NOFAS – Georgia will be honoring The International Awareness Day for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome with “Pregnant Pause” on September 9, 2009

http://www.nofas.org

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is the leading voice and resource of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community. Founded in 1990, NOFAS is the only international non-profit organization committed solely to FASD primary prevention, advocacy and support.

NOFAS seeks to create a global community free of alcohol-exposed pregnancies and a society supportive of individuals already living with FASD. NOFAS effectively increases public awareness and mobilizes grassroots action in diverse communities and represents the interests of persons with FASD and their caregivers as the liaison to researchers and policymakers. By ensuring that FASD is broadly recognized as a developmental disability, NOFAS strives to reduce the stigma and improve the quality of life for affected individuals and families.

Strategic Plan
NOFAS - For the future of our children

Vision
A nation where all children are born alcohol free.

Mission
NOFAS strives to prevent alcohol use during pregnancy through primary prevention, advocacy and support.

Purpose
NOFAS educates the public, practitioners and policymakers about alcohol use during pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects, and a leading known cause of learning disabilities in children and adults.

Shared Values and Beliefs

We believe FASD is a national health crisis. Over 125,000 newborns every year are exposed to heavy or binge drinking—the highest risk for FASD. Alcohol and pregnancy education must be elevated to a higher public health priority, and medical and mental health care systems must better serve all families in need.

We believe society still does not see or understand the magnitude of FASD. Many myths and misconceptions about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy remain despite more than thirty-five years of clinical research. Broad public education and media outreach must be sustained to teach the facts about FASD.

We believe that to open the minds of those who can make a difference, we must remove the addiction and maternal stigma. Alcohol dependence is a chronic, progressive disease that can be treated. Treatment works, saves money and prevents future FASD births. Shaming and punishing birth mothers perpetuates the crisis and misunderstanding of the issue.

We believe that …

FASD is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects, and a leading known cause of learning disabilities.
FASD annual births are higher than autism, and downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and sudden infant death syndrome - COMBINED.
FASD prevention is at least ten-times more cost effective than the $1.4 million lifetime cost to treat one person with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
FASD can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, income or educational level.
FASD is completely preventable.
FASD children and adults can succeed with treatment and appropriate strategies.
FASD birth mothers deserve therapeutic intervention and treatment.
FASD families and caregivers deserve a voice among researchers and policymakers

Strategic Objectives:

Effectively communicate the significant risk and harm of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Promote national policies that enhance knowledge of FASD and ensure services for families.
Extend our reach through partnerships and coalitions.
Enhance our governance structure to lead the organization to our vision, mission and objectives.
Diversify and increase the revenue streams and resources to accomplish our mission.
Maintain our credibility and distinguished public standing within the FASD community and among the public at-large.
Ensure that our team has the focus of mission, the resources to be productive, and the passion to succeed.

For more information please click http://www.nofas.org/about/