WHEREAS, providing healthy environments for infants and children to develop and grow is essential in ensuring the well-being and productivity of future generations of Alaskans; and

WHEREAS, consuming alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), which refers to conditions caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, and can lead to lifelong complications such as physical, behavioral, and learning disabilities; and

WHEREAS, FASDs are a leading cause of preventable and permanent birth defects and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the prevalence of FASDs per capita in Alaska are consistently high compared with other states in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, children with FASDs are often undiagnosed until they have reached school age. While there is no cure, early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment have shown to significantly help children with FASDs learn to cope with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, in addition to personal and emotional difficulties, the lifetime health and social costs in medical care, special education, specialized services, and lost productivity are estimated to cost millions for each individual with FASDs; and

WHEREAS, each year, on the ninth day of the ninth month, we are reminded of the importance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, and to support healthy prenatal choices in our communities.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2024 as:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to abstain from alcohol consumption throughout the course of pregnancy, and to support pregnant family members, friends, and neighbors in their commitment to protect the next generation.

Dated: September 9, 2024