Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day 2026

WHEREAS, ensuring that infants and children are raised in healthy, supportive environments is essential to their growth and development and to 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), a group of 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, FASD Awareness Day is observed each year, on the ninth day of the ninth month to represent the nine months of pregnancy, and serves as reminder that with support, prevention, and compassion, we can foster healthy prenatal choices in our communities.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2026 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, 2026

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