[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5493-S5494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize 
September 9, 2011, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 
Awareness Day. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD, is an umbrella 
term describing the varied range of alcohol-related birth defects that 
may result from the use of alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of 
this disorder may involve mental, behavioral, and/or learning 
disabilities. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable cognitive 
impairment in America. It is estimated FASD effects 1 in 100 live 
births each year.

[[Page S5494]]

  Unfortunately, my State of South Dakota suffers from one of the 
highest incidences of FASDs in the Nation. While I applaud the ongoing 
efforts of local organizations, State governments and federal agencies 
to address the public health threat of FASD, I continue to have great 
concern about this disorder's impact in South Dakota and across the 
country.
  We must move past the stigma of this devastating disease to truly 
help those and their families who are affected by FASD get the health, 
education, counseling and support services they need and deserve. We 
must also address the tragedy of FASD at the source, by increasing 
awareness that any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can have 
heartbreaking, lifelong effects. Education and outreach efforts must 
continue their focus of ensuring this message is understood by all 
women of child-bearing age and ensuring access to treatment and 
counseling services for those at risk of substance abuse.
  One of the most distressing facts regarding FASD is that it is 
entirely preventable. I have joined my colleagues in the Senate to 
introduce and pass a resolution designating September 9, 2011 as 
National FASD Awareness Day. It is my hope these efforts progress 
towards global awareness of FASD and an end to this destructive 
disease.

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