9:09am on the 9th day of the 9th month is observed every year in recognition of the importance of being alcohol free for the nine months of a pregnancy
There is no known safe amount of alcohol which can be consumed during pregnancy and it is the responsibility of the whole community to support alcohol free pregnancies. Around the world, the month of September is recognised as FASD month to raise awareness about FASD and the importance of an alcohol free pregnancy. Community events to mark FASD Awareness Day provide opportunities to raise awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure, to support pregnant women and to share this prevention message around the world. NOFASD Australia has been involved in this campaign since the very beginning! Click here to read more about the history of International FASD Awareness Day.
We encourage you to become involved! You might like to host an event, post on social media, display information, or have conversations with people in your community. Our Information Pack provides ideas. You may wish to download FASD Fact Sheets to distribute at an event, play a webinar, or provide your own presentation using our FASD 101 PowerPoint slides. NOFASD Australia also has printable posters for display.
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.
You can also 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. With strong supports and increased awareness FASD can be prevented. Wear red shoes proudly to raise awareness about FASD. #RedShoesRock #FASDawareness
FASD Awareness Day Resources
There are lots of ideas for community events to mark FASD Awareness Day. Click to download your free resources to help you get started.
The History of International FASD Awareness Day
FASD Awareness Day began in 1999, initiated by Bonnie Buxton, Brain Philcox and Teresa Kellerman. The first FASD Awareness Day attracted interest worldwide including; New Zealand, Australia (NOFASD), South Africa, Italy, Germany, Sweden, United States of America and Canada. NOFASD Australia is proud to have been involved since the beginning!
Community events to mark FASD Awareness Day now take place around the world. Each year increasing numbers of agencies around Australia recognise FASD Awareness Day – highlighting concerns about alcohol exposed pregnancies, raising awareness of FASD and acknowledging that alcohol-free pregnancy is a whole of community responsibility and not solely a women’s issue.
We encourage you to become involved too!
Click here for the highlights of 2020
Click here for the highlights of 2019
