CALL TO ACTION: Submit testimony to the US Senate in support of increased FASD funding by May 22nd.
The incredible advocacy of the FASD community got the FASD Respect Act passed in 2025, but passing a law and funding its programs are two different things. Right now, the US Senate is deciding how to spend money in 2027, and you can have a direct impact on how the Senate funds FASD programs.
This means you have a real, direct way to use your voice as a parent, self-advocate, researcher, professional, or organization. FASD United has made it easy: we have written the testimony and provided instructions for submission. All you have to do is add your voice and send it in.
What Your Testimony is Asking For
This testimony is in support of a $10 million increase in funding for:
- Public education and outreach so families are better connected to supports
- A national clearinghouse for best practices, screening tools, and interventions
- Technical assistance to help states and tribes build their capacity to address FASD
- Resources and supports to help those with FASD and their families
How to Submit
Individuals AND organizations can submit testimony, and it is easier to do than you might think. Follow the steps below, and refer to full submission guidelines here: instructions for submission.
- Download the testimony template prepared by FASD United. The full testimony is already written; you just need to add your own information.
- Personalize it with your name and your story. Add your name and your personal info wherever the text is highlighted in yellow. Keep it short and to the point: the full document can be a max of 4 pages.
- Save the file in the right format and with the correct name. Make sure it is saved as a Microsoft Word file (.docx) and title it “FY27 Senate Outside Witness Testimony Submitted by YOUR NAME/ORG NAME.”
- Double-check that your testimony follows all the instructions outlined here: instructions for submission
- Email it to the committee & cc FASD United. Send your completed testimony as an attachment to [email protected] (IMPORTANT: please cc Chris Melfi [email protected] so we can hand deliver a copy of your testimony to your legislator) with the subject line “FY27 OWT”. In the body of the email, include your contact information (name, email, physical address, and phone number), along with this message:
Dear Chair Capito and Ranking Member Baldwin,
Please accept the attached outside witness testimony for the record, addressing funding for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services.
This is the most direct way you can advocate for better FASD services and supports right now. Your advocacy to pass the Respect Act helped build the foundation for FASD support. Now, you can help raise the roof by calling on the US Senate to Fund FASD.
Contact for support: [email protected]
