Personal insights from FASD United Policy Coordinator Chris Melfi.
It was both humbling and inspiring to join FISAC for the 2nd International Conference on FASD in Mexico, which focused on moving from knowledge to action. I had the opportunity to share lessons we’ve learned here in the U.S. while advocating for the FASD Respect Act and its implementation and also was able to learn from the rapidly growing movement in Mexico.
During my keynote presentation and the roundtable discussion that followed, we touched on the importance of centering living experience, destigmatizing FASD, and ensuring that FASD is part of larger conversations about health, education, justice, and every system meant to support this community.
FASD United Board Member Dr. Christie Petrenko also presented on From Guidelines to Practice: Strengthening Clinical Capacity for FASD before taking part in a roundtable discussion on what Mexico needs to build a comprehensive clinical response to FASD.
The following day, I facilitated a workshop titled Defining a National Agenda, where attendees worked to identify and prioritize opportunities to strengthen Mexico’s response to FASD and began considering the first steps needed to move those priorities forward. We were fortunate to have diverse participation: communications professionals, doctors, lobbyists, caregivers, reporters, and researchers were in attendance, and all offered unique experiences and perspectives.
The amazing work being done by FISAC was highlighted by the FASD Awareness Walk on September 9, as we marched between two of Mexico City’s largest and most important monuments, both lit up in red! Advocates walked from the Angel of Independence to the Monument to the Revolution, carrying red umbrellas to make sure this cause was seen. It was clear that the growing FASD network in Mexico is dedicated to turning knowledge into action, and FASD United is honored and excited to partner with them as they do.
