Across the globe, September is being recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month. FASD Awareness Month is a permanent expansion of FASD Awareness Day, observed each year since 1999. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, people will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy, the safest option is to abstain from alcohol. People all around the world hold events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and advocate for needed supports to help individuals and families impacted by an FASD.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are medical disorders that include birth defects, brain injury, and disabilities. “People do not realize that as many as one in 20 children in the United States has an FASD and in North Carolina, 8,628 babies are born alcohol-exposed each year.” said Lauren Borchert, Program Manager for Proof Alliance NC, the NC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program. More than 40 years of research has found that FASD is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Because of this, all major health groups advise that abstaining from any alcoholic drinks including beer, wine or mixed drinks is the healthiest choice for pregnant individuals and those planning a pregnancy.

Proof Alliance NC, a program of The Arc of North Carolina, strives to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies by providing training, education, and resources to professionals who serve individuals of reproductive age. Additional information on FASD, the importance of preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies, and alcohol-free drink recipes can be found at www.proofalliancenc.org. Proof Alliance NC is also happy to provide a training about FASD to professional organizations and members of our community free of charge. We can offer these trainings virtually or in person. We have a variety of training offerings that can be scheduled by reaching out using this training request form.

In support of FASD Awareness, take action today by pledging to support alcohol-free pregnancies in your community. Complete this short form and be entered into a drawing for a gift card! 

The Proof Alliance NC training program was created to address the misinformation surrounding prenatal alcohol use and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) by providing training to help build FASD-informed organizations and communities across our state. 

The primary goals of the training are to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies, as well as increased awareness of the need for early identification, interventions, and support for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are life-long disorders impacting one in twenty individuals and is present throughout all systems of care. Proof Alliance NC offers eight different modules to meet the training needs of your organization or community. Meet our training team and schedule your free FASD training today!

Across Western North Carolina we are spreading our prevention messaging! We are spreading the word that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix in an effort to combat misinformation. You may see our ads at gas stations or indoors at restaurants and bars throughout Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Lenoir. If you see our ad, take a pic and share it on your socials!

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!



Watch your step! This month we also conducted a prevention-based marketing campaign in Charlotte, Chapel-Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington right on the sidewalks!

This ad was placed in 40 different spots that were considered high foot-traffic paths in popular areas, including university areas and bus stops.

This type of campaign is known as Clean Graffiti - or Reverse Graffiti. We used a specialized stencil and high-pressure water to strategically clean our message onto a dirty sidewalk. And, the best part? It's just water! No paint, no acid, no bleach, no epoxy. It's a 100% green campaign!

Take the pledge from

Proof Alliance NC!

Fill out a short form and pledge to help us prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies in North Carolina!