With FASD provisions passing through the House as part of the SUPPORT Act, there is a need to build on momentum and ensure the Senate promptly takes action and enacts this critically important legislation. Please consider contacting your two Senators to request a meeting, urging them to join the FASD community in building the foundation of FASD-informed systems of care.
Whether you plan to email a Senate aide or use the official meeting-request portal on their website, the template below has you covered. Reach out to [email protected] if you need help locating a contact or would like any assistance preparing (or attending!) a meeting.
Remember: You are the expert; your experience as a self-advocate, caregiver, professional, researcher, or in any other role is valuable and can make a real difference.
Meeting Request Template
Dear [staff name],
My name is [your name], and I would like to request a meeting with Senator [Senator’s name] or their health staff to discuss the FASD provisions in Section 104 of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. The lifelong effects, coupled with a prevalence of 1 in 20, necessitate a federal response to ensure our systems of care can effectively and efficiently support these individuals and their families.
As you may know, the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act passed through the House in June and was sent to the Senate HELP Committee. Section 104 of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act is titled Support for individuals and families impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to:
- Continue, establish, or improve programs and services for FASD education, intervention, prevention, and support delivery.
- Provide funding to State and Tribal Systems for FASD Services throughout the lifespan.
- Include a definition of FASD-informed in the Federal code.
- Strengthen nationwide, state and tribal capacity to identify, treat, and support individuals with FASD and their families.
The standalone FASD Respect Act (S.139) was also introduced with seven original cosponsors and contains similar language to Section 104. Please let me know if the Senator or a member of their staff can meet virtually to discuss the federal response to FASD and to urge prompt action on the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act and FASD provisions.
Thank you,
[your name]
