Release courtesy of Gloucester County:
The Gloucester County Board of County Commissioners proclaim September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month in Gloucester County.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth.
“Gloucester County is committed to keeping our residents safe and aware of any risks when it comes to their health,” Commission Director Robert M. Damminger said. “People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the challenges individuals and families can face who are living with FASDs.”
“Alcohol during pregnancy can cause lifelong effects. If a woman is drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it is never too late to stop,” Commissioner Jim Jefferson said. “The sooner a woman stops drinking, the better it will be for both her baby and herself.”
Gloucester County Making Healthy Choices Collaborative is leading the Gloucester County community in a variety of educational events; including the Making Healthy Choices Poster Contest, The Arc Gloucester’s Health Fair and partnering with Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative.
To learn more, please visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov or the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html.
