Celebrate an Alcohol-Free Pregnancy

Proof Alliance NC encourages you to celebrate an alcohol-free pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD cannot be cured, but it can be prevented by not drinking alcohol – including red wine, white wine, wine coolers, beer or hard liquor during your pregnancy.

This December, in partnership with Our State Magazine, our 'Magnificent Mocktail' is the Cranberry Mule. This sparkling sweet-and-spicy drink is the Santa-approved cup of cheer to keep you on the nice list all season long.

This campaign will be both in print and digital with video tutorials on how to make these delicious alcohol-free drinks for all of your events! Pick up the latest edition of Our State Magazine from your local store to see how we are spreading the message that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix.

See the Digital Campaign!

The Cranberry Mule

Yield: 1 serving.

Cinnamon-Honey Syrup:

1 cup honey

1 cup water

4 to 5 cinnamon sticks

Cocktail:

Ice

¼ cup cranberry juice

¼ fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons cinnamon-honey syrup

Ginger beer (for topping)

Lime wedge, sprig of rosemary, and fresh cranberries (for garnish)

For the cinnamon-honey syrup: Combine honey and water in a small pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Once a foam starts to form at the surface, remove from heat and add cinnamon sticks. Let steep for 1 hour before straining into an air-tight container or squeeze bottle. Syrup will keep up to 2 weeks in refrigerator.

For the cocktail: In a cocktail tin filled with ice, combine cranberry and lime juices with cinnamon-honey syrup and shake until outside of tin is very cold. Pour into a copper mug and top with ginger beer. Add fresh ice, if needed, and garnish with a lime wedge, sprig of rosemary, and fresh cranberries.

Reaching Providers at The i2i Winter Conference in Winston-Salem!

The establishment of the i2i Center for Integrative Health represents the evolution of the NC Council of Community Programs’ 34-year legacy of collaboration and advocacy in addressing behavioral, I-DD, and primary healthcare issues. Each year, they host a robust conference in December that brings together healthcare leaders across North Carolina to solve the most important issues affecting people with disabilities.

Certified FASD Trainer, Stephanie Antkowiak and PANC staff had the opportunity to share resources with providers about the impact of alcohol on the developing fetal brain, how FASD presents across the lifespan and strategies to support those living with FASD.

A Message from the Injury and

Violence Prevention Branch & Proof Alliance NC

During the winter holiday season, people may consume more alcohol due to festive parties, family gatherings, or seasonal stresses. Excessive alcohol use can lead to immediate and long-term health impacts. Excessive alcohol use is defined as binge drinking (4+ drinks per occasion for females, 5+ for males), heavy drinking (8+ drinks in one week for females, 15+ for males), or any alcohol use by pregnant women or people under the age of 21. Immediate health risks include motor vehicle crashes, falls, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries. Long-term health risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other chronic health conditions.

To bring attention to holiday alcohol behaviors, Proof Alliance NC conducted a prevention-based marketing campaign in 13 cities across the state right on the sidewalks! These 13 locations are all focused on the designated social districts where drinking in public is permitted.

These locations include Cramerton, Gastonia, Cornelius, Davidson, Statesville, Salisbury, Lexington, Elon, Asheboro, Laurinburg, Norwood, Albemarle, and Monroe.

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!

Pledge Your Support!

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Proof Alliance NC!

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

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FASD IS PREVENTABLE WITH THE

RIGHT INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Schedule a Training

Proof Alliance NC is happy to provide a training about FASD to your staff, providers, clients, and community free of charge. We can offer these trainings virtually or in person. We have a variety of training offerings. Please reach out to discuss this opportunity further.

Proof Alliance NC | website

Funding Provided by:

NC Department of Health & Human Services | Funded by the SAMHSA-SAPTBG 2B08T

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