Written in collaboration with the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University.
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, a time to reflect, educate, and advocate for individuals and families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This year, we’re proud to share how our team has grown its efforts to support prevention, reduce stigma, and provide tools that can contribute to policy decisions, resource allocations, and meaningful care delivery.
What’s New to our FASD Work
This past year has been one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Here are a few key updates we’re excited to share:
Pathways to Prevention – Substance-exposed pregnancies occur when substance use happens during pregnancy. Common prevention approaches, such as encouraging people to reduce or stop substance use before and during pregnancy, may unintentionally miss people who continue using substances and do not intend to become pregnant. By offering effective options for contraception with a risk reduction approach, we can help close this gap.
New Tool! Preventing Substance-Exposed Pregnancies: Elevating Contraception and Connecting with Overdose Prevention
This resource provides examples of how to apply evidence-informed, compassionate approaches to discussions and strategies to elevate contraception and help prevent substance-exposed pregnancies (SEPs). The tool is designed to support local health departments and other public health professionals with integrating lessons from overdose prevention into their work with people and communities at risk for SEPs.
New virtual, interactive training! Reducing Stigma Associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
This important training will empower you with knowledge and tools to understand the stigma surrounding FASDs and steps you can take to reduce stigma when promoting substance-free pregnancies and addressing FASDs. By attending, you’ll:
- Identify how stigma manifests and the factors that contribute to stigma in the context of FASDs,
- Recognize the impact of stigma on individuals and communities,
- Learn effective ways to reduce stigma,
- Gain actionable strategies to implement in your work to promote substance-free pregnancies and support those impacted by FASDs, and
- Leave with clear next steps to continue your work in reducing stigma and promoting change.
Please note that this is an interactive, synchronous training. Watch the NACCHO project page for updated training dates in the future.
Lived Experience Video Series from the CDC
Individuals and families share their stories about what it’s like to have FASDs. They also share experiences and tips about diagnosis, support, stigma, and resilience.
https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/stories/video-series.html
Why FASD Awareness Matters
FASD is often underdiagnosed or misunderstood. FASDs are disabilities that last a lifetime, affecting learning, behavior, and physical health. By spreading awareness, investing in education—for both the public and professionals—and supplying compassionate prevention strategies and supports, we can change the trajectory for individuals and families. Awareness matters because prevention matters, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We have a responsibility to educate widely, intervene early, reduce stigma, and create systems that support lifelong wellbeing.
Join Us This Month
Throughout September, we invite you to:
- Share our tools and resources with your networks
- Share our social media posts on FASD Awareness Month
- View this webinar on FASDs and preventing substance-exposed pregnancies
Let’s work together to ensure FASD is not invisible—and that every person impacted receives the understanding and support they deserve.
#FASDAwarenessMonth #ReduceStigma #FASDMonth2025 #maternalchildhealth #tools #resources
