The 9th day of the 9th month is International FASD Awareness Day. Symbolising the 9 months of pregnancy, this is a day to share messages about the importance of alcohol-free pregnancies and to support families living with FASD. The event can be acknowledged in many ways – we encourage you to get involved! You might like to host an event, post on social media, display information, or have conversations with people in your community. Please see NOFASD’s Information Pack for more information and ideas. You may wish to download FASD Fact Sheets to distribute at an event, play a webinar or give your own presentation using our FASD 101 PowerPoint slides. NOFASD also provides printable posters for display.
FASD is the most common preventable disability in Australia, estimated to affect 2-5% of the population. Preventing FASD is a whole-of-community responsibility. Mothers never intentionally put their children at risk. Increasing awareness about the risks of drinking when you could be pregnant, and supporting women who are pregnant to abstain throughout their nine months, is essential for preventing prenatal alcohol exposure.
We would love to hear how you are recognising International FASD Awareness Day! Please share your events on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages or email admin@nofasd.org.au with photos and a story about your event.
Another way to raise awareness about FASD is to join the Red Shoes Rock campaign, which was started by RJ Formanek, an adult with FASD. He decided to wear RED SHOES to stand out, be noticed and have some fun starting FASD conversations with strangers. At NOFASD we are having fun wearing red shoes and putting red shoes on our pets too!
The team at Red Shoes Rock have produced a fantastic range of printable flyers and free images which they encourage you to download and use. A big thanks to RJ Formanek, Jodee Kulp and the whole Red Shoes Rock Team!
#RedShoesRock #FASDDay
Lots of people are already getting started! Megan Brown is raising awareness and fundraising by creating these wonderful Red Shoes for sale. Contact Megan via Facebook (her page or NOFASD Australia) to order one. Thank you Megan for this creative initiative!
