[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I rise to recognize April as 
National Alcohol Awareness Month. We must all remain aware that alcohol 
is a drug that can pose serious health and well-being risks if used 
improperly. From underage drinking to drunk driving to alcohol 
addiction, this substance can have catastrophic and long-reaching 
effects on the lives of Americans.
  I wish to take the opportunity in a month dedicated to alcohol 
awareness to promote awareness of a devastating alcohol-related 
condition. 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 be mental, behavioral, and/or involve 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.
  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, and by ensuring this is understood by 
all women of child-bearing age and by providing treatment and 
counseling services for these women.
  Earlier this year, several of my colleagues and I reintroduced 
legislation to address FASD issues within families, at schools, in 
health care centers, in our legal system, and at its source. In 
addition to supporting those living with FASD and their families, this 
bill works to educate our health practitioners, educators and members 
of our judicial system to recognize the special needs of these 
individuals. While we increase awareness of the effects alcohol can 
have on individuals and their families, increasing FASD awareness must 
also be included to advance the fight against these damaging disorders.

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