Your voice can make September 9th official in your state.
A state proclamation is one of the most visible ways to put FASD on your Governor’s agenda. We have done the research, so you know exactly where to go and what to do. Use the tool below to find your state and get started today. Already submitted a request to your Governor? Let us know about it using the form under Tell Us About It!
Type your state’s name in the search bar below for information on how to submit a Proclamation request. You will see your Governor, the method for submitting, when to submit, and a link to get started!
Search for Your State
Make This Awareness Month Matter
Congress put FASD on the national agenda.
Now put it on your state’s.
The FASD Respect Act becoming law marked a turning point for FASD policy at the federal level. This September 9th, help make sure your Governor is part of the conversation too. Proclamations open doors and start conversations, and submitting a request takes minutes and sends a message that lasts. Submitting a proclamation request is also a real opportunity to raise awareness in your state and show the strength of the FASD community.
Let’s raise awareness this September & create something extraordinary together!
State Coordination
States will only issue one proclamation on a given topic. That means advocates in the same state will want to work together rather than submit separately. If you want to find out who else is advocating in your state, reach out to [email protected] and we can help connect you. You can also join our weekly Policy Drop-Ins (Wednesdays 12p Eastern) or monthly Policy Forums (Last Wednesday each month 2pm Eastern) to coordinate with advocates across the country.
Tell Us About It
We are tracking which states take action, so be sure to let us know if you submit a request or if your state issues an FASD Awareness Day Proclamation! Use the form below to let us know or reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Proclamation Template
We developed the proclamation language below for you to use. Feel free to use it as a starting point or as a finished product. Just be sure to follow any instructions given by your state.
FASD Awareness Day Proclamation Request
Human service organizations, health care professionals, educators, and the public are called to action to work together to better understand and support individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This can be done by improving public health efforts to increase awareness on how FASDs may present in individuals across the lifespan and the ongoing need for services and support for individuals living with FASD while also spreading the message that there is no safe alcohol during pregnancy.
WHEREAS,
FASD affects 1 in 20 school-aged children in the US and are complex lifelong disorders that affect each person differently, resulting in unique strengths and challenges; and
WHEREAS,
FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of disabilities that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth; and
WHEREAS,
FASD can cause challenges with learning and memory, social interaction, cognition, and adaptive function, and can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
WHEREAS,
FASD is often accompanied by medical conditions that impact quality of life; and
WHEREAS,
A comprehensive, collaborative approach will strengthen advocacy efforts and will help to advance research, professional training, and access to services and resources across the lifespan; and
WHEREAS,
Although FASD can be prevented by supporting pregnancies free of alcohol, prevention efforts should be balanced with support and intervention for people living with FASD; and
WHEREAS,
Early diagnosis and intervention tailored to individual needs can have lifelong benefits, easing the transition to adulthood and improving quality of life; and
WHEREAS,
Each person and family should have access to reliable information, supports, and opportunities to thrive; and
WHEREAS,
The United States Congress has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing FASD at all levels through the passage of FASD-informed provisions in the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening both national and state capacity to support individuals and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
(Governor’s name), Governor of the state of (name of your state), do hereby declare [September 9, 2026, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day] [or September as FASD Awareness Month] and pledge to continue to partner with organizations, health care professionals, educators, and the public to raise awareness about FASD and support individuals living with this disability.
Questions? Need help with your submission? Reach out to [email protected] and we will walk you through it.