International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Bell Concordance and Awareness Day
For Immediate Release - September 8, 2009
Contact:
Tony Anderson
Executive Director,
The Arc of California
(916) 770-0091
9/09/2009: 9:09 AM
Sacramento, California: Throughout California, the nation, and the world people will pause next Wednesday September 9, 2009 in recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. The State awareness event will be held on the South Steps of the Capitol and will begin with the bell concordance from the local churches around the Capitol building. The Awareness event will include an address by Assembly member Jim Beall (D – San Jose), Eva Carner, parent advocate for people with FASD, Ricky Nelson, a person with FASD, and Lyn Laboriel Developmental Pediatrician.
Tony Anderson, Executive Director of The Arc of California and organizer of California FASD Task Force, explains that "On the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth month of 2009, bells will toll throughout the world to begin a minute of reflection by parents, caregivers and professionals who will be reminding others that women should not drink alcohol during their nine months of pregnancy." The Bell Concordance started on 9/09/1999 and has continued throughout the world ever since. Bells were used because not only are they associated with warnings and alarms but also with happiness, marking important moments, and communicating and connecting with local communities.
Eva Carner, parent of a young adult with FASD, adds, "The tolling of the bells will symbolize the warning of the dangers prenatal exposure to alcohol presents to our children, the alarm of the public health threat associated with 1 in 100 births affected by alcohol, and the celebration of love and respect we have for all children especially those faced with the daily struggles alcohol damaged their developing little brains in their mother's womb."
Madeline Journey-Lynn, Office of Women's and Perinatal Services, California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs says the public should be more aware of this issue and points to the 2005 Surgeon General's Advisory, …"Alcohol consumed during pregnancy increases the risk of alcohol related birth defects, including growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, central nervous system impairment, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. No amount of alcohol consumption can be considered safe during pregnancy. Alcohol can damage a fetus at any stage of pregnancy. Damage can occur in the earliest weeks of pregnancy, even before a woman knows. The cognitive deficits and behavioral problems resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure are lifelong. Alcohol-related birth defects are completely preventable."
Lyn Laboriel M.D., Director of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center at LA County & USC, says "Consumption of any alcohol during pregnancy is a very risky business, all too often resulting in permanent brain damage to the developing baby. The brain injuries caused by alcohol manifest as a wide array of problems from developmental disabilities and language disorders to serious emotional and behavioral problems, all of which are one hundred percent preventable."
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