Wednesday, March 12, 2025
3/12/2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. It can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), an umbrella term for the range of physical, mental, and neurodevelopmental effects that can occur in an individual exposed to alcohol before birth. Alcohol use in pregnancy is a significant health concern as over 10 percent of pregnant women report alcohol use and 3.1 percent report binge drinking in the past 30 days.The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) manages the FASD Resource and Media Collaborative to raise awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure and improve understanding about individuals affected by FASD as well as promote the prevention of FASD and care of affected individuals. The Collaborative develops and implements activities in five strategic domains intended to decrease prenatal alcohol exposure and improve the quality of life for individuals with FASD and their families.The first strategic area is the administration and enhancement of a national resource directory. Promotion of the directory and access to its resources results in increased access to local and state-based resources across the country among partners in the FASD community, healthcare providers, and the public.Three additional key strategies, 1) the development and dissemination of information and resources to various and diverse audiences, 2) building the capacity for state and local affiliates dedicated to services for FASD prevention as well as identification, care and support for individuals with FASDs and their families, and; 3) conducting media outreach and media training increases access to accurate information on FASD prevention as well as identification, support, and care for individuals with FASD and their families among healthcare providers and the public. By building capacity for affiliate organizations, NOFAS will also improve linkages between FASD healthca re champions and local partners.The fifth strategy to support a Speakers Bureau enhances FASD awareness, prevention, diagnostic/referral, and ongoing care efforts will reduce the stigma surrounding prenatal alcohol use and FASD diagnosis through the use of presenters with lived experience in all facets of FASD.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).