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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2002

Alaska Observes International FAS Awareness Day, Monday September 9

Events kick off multi-year multi-media public education campaign

On September 9, 2002 Alaska will join with participants around the world to increase public awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and all other birth defects that result from a woman's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. In issuing an FAS Awareness Day proclamation in Alaska, Governor Tony Knowles called for all Alaskans "to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, to increase compassion for those individuals so affected, to totally eliminate FAS as a health threat to our children and families, and to build healthier communities across Alaska."

FAS Day 2002 marks the fourth year for this international awareness event that began when parents and caregivers of children, youth and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) came together.

"Communities across Alaska will join in celebration of International FAS Awareness Day, when we ask everyone to take time for a 'minute of reflection,' pausing on the ninth minute, of the ninth hour, of the ninth day, of the ninth month to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol," Commissioner Jay Livey said.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of mental retardation in Alaska and the United States. FAS is 100% preventable. If women do not drink alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy, alcohol-related birth defects can be eliminated. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy -- any amount consumed during pregnancy has the potential to harm the growing child.

A statewide multimedia campaign that will include television, radio, print ads and posters will premiere on Sept. 9 in conjunction with International FAS Awareness day. The campaign themes are "I have the power to prevent FAS" and "Thankfully there are people who will help her - are you one of them?" The public education campaign will continue throughout the year, encompassing other educational activities such as the FAS Summit 2002, scheduled for November 21-22 in Anchorage.

The State of Alaska with the help of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, initiated an aggressive FAS agenda in October 2000 with a five-year $29 million dollar federal grant. Department of Health and Social Services in partnership with private and public entities created a statewide system of outreach, education and systemic changes to improve all FAS-related services.
The project has accomplished the following, but there is much more to do:

  • Activated 14 community-based FAS diagnostic teams around the state;

  • Developed and delivered an ongoing program of training for parents and professionals involved in FASD;

  • Developed an ongoing program to prevent FASD through public education;

    • and,

  • Established a process to continually sharpen Alaskans' tools and systems to prevent FAS and improve services to affected individuals.

"Today we are hitting the road with this important theme: 'I have the power to prevent FAS'," Diane Casto State FAS Coordinator said. "If all Alaskans join this effort, we will be a powerful force."

Other Online Information

Alaska Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

FAS Awareness Day book [PDF]

FAS Resources

FASWorld, an international alliance of parents and professionals:

Anchorage premiere of FAS prevention video

Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RuralCAP), 731 E. 8th Ave., Anchorage, will premiere "The Final Score-Winning Against FAS," a new FAS prevention video for Alaska youth and young adults. The event begins at 3:00 p.m.

For more information about activities scheduled across the state, or for a copy of FAS Awareness Day resource materials, contact L. Diane Casto, State FAS Coordinator, DHSS Office of FAS, (907) 465-3033 in Juneau, or toll-free (877) 393-2287 (statewide).

Printer friendly version (PDF, 51k)

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For more information, please contact

Sherry Hill, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Communications
(907) 465-1611

Or

Ross Soboleff
Public Information Officer III
(907) 465-1611