In collaboration with the Center for Health and Safety Culture (CHSC) at Montana State University, NACCHO is partnering with local health departments to prevent substance-exposed pregnancies and address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). NACCHO and CHSC are working to develop educational offerings for health department staff to build knowledge and capacity and create tools and resources to integrate substance-exposed pregnancy and FASD prevention into existing efforts. To support these efforts, NACCHO and CHSC are convening the Partners for Substance-Free Pregnancies Network, a group of multidisciplinary partners from local health departments to share resources and learn from each other through peer-to-peer information exchange.

Join us Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 11am-1pm MDT (1-3pm EST) for Reducing Stigma Associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), an interactive, two-hour virtual training presented by the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University (MSU) in collaboration with NACCHO. This engaging training provides the opportunity to interact with other participants via a breakout session and dive into practical approaches for reducing stigma around FASDs. Please note that this is an interactive, synchronous training. Cameras are encouraged to be on, and participants will be asked to actively engage in discussions with others. 

Please see the full training description here. To register for the training, click here.

Preventing Substance-Exposed Pregnancies: Elevating Contraception and Connecting with Overdose Prevention

• This tool provides examples of how to apply evidence-informed, compassionate approaches to discussions and strategies to elevate contraception and help prevent substance-exposed pregnancies (SEPs). It is designed to support local health departments and other public health professionals integrate lessons from overdose prevention into their work with people and communities at risk for SEPs. 
   

Messages to Promote Substance-Free Pregnancies and Prevent FASDs: A Communication Guide for Local Health Departments

• This message guide is intended to help LHDs engage in conversations about preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) with different audiences. This is meant to guide conversations and does not need to be used verbatim.
   

What is portfolio mapping?

• An activity to reveal opportunities to promote substance-free pregnancies

Why engage in portfolio mapping?
Once completed, these maps: 

• Provide a clear understanding of current strategies aimed at a variety of audiences
• Reveal opportunities to integrate substance-free pregnancy information into existing efforts 
• Highlight ways to maximize staff time and resources   

How long will it take to create a map?

• Approximately 1-2 hours

Materials

• Video presentation and how-to guide
• Example portfolio map
• Blank portfolio map
   

• This tool is intended to support professionals in having conversations about cannabis use during pregnancy. It includes common misperceptions, evidence-based facts, and informed responses that can be incorporated into conversations or messaging.
   

• This handout is intended to support awareness and education among public health professionals and can be shared with colleagues and partners.
   

• This chart illustrates weeks of pregnancy and how alcohol can affect development throughout pregnancy.
   

• Alcohol and Pregnancy: Communication Materials for Healthcare Professionals and Patients CDC
• Birth Defects Resources for Healthcare Providers

Promoting Substance-Free Pregnancies Webinar: Tools and Resources for Impact

NACCHO and MSU recently hosted a webinar highlighting resources, opportunities, and information for LHDs on preventing substance-exposed pregnancies and addressing FASDs.

Click here to view a recording of the webinar.

For more information about this project, please contact [email protected].