Midland proclaims Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day

Whereas; International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day happens annually on September 9th, people around the world began observing International FASD Awareness Day each year beginning in 1999, in order that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy it is important to abstain from alcohol; and

Whereas; the term “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder” (FASD) describes the range of exceptionalities that may affect in an individual who was exposed to alcohol in utero/during pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of birth defects, such as physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning challenges; and

Whereas; exact number of people who have FASD is unknown, but in Canada it is estimated that 4 of the population are born with effects of prenatal alcohol exposure annually, the estimated social and economic cost of FASD in Canada is $1.8 billion per year; and

Whereas; more than 50 per cent of all pregnancies are unplanned when drinking may occur before the pregnancy is confirmed, there is no safe amount, no safe time, or no safe kind of alcohol that a pregnant individual can drink during pregnancy; and

Whereas; The Town of Midland commends the dedicated Simcoe County FASD Prevention Committee, part of the Simcoe County FASD Initiative, in supporting Midland and connect them to the national effort to educate about and prevent FASD.

Therefore, I, Bill Gordon, Mayor of the Town of Midland, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2024, as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day” in the Town of Midland.