OASAS Announces Initiatives For The Prevention Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

ALBANY, NY (05/15/2008)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced series of initiatives for the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). These efforts include early prevention, intervention and screenings, and raising awareness of the dangers of FASD. As part of the effort to educate New Yorkers about this tragic disorder, Governor David Paterson has proclaimed May 11-17 as Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week in the Empire State.

FASD is a disorder caused by the use of alcohol during pregnancy. It is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and is characterized by growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and cognitive defects.

“FASD is 100 percent preventable,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “We know that prevention is the key to a healthier New York. OASAS is committed to educating individuals of child-bearing age about the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.”

In New York state, more than 7,400 pregnant women received treatment for an alcohol problem over the last five years. Research indicates that one in 10 pregnant women drink in the United States and nearly 40,000 babies are born each year with FASD.

“Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have devastating, lifelong effects on the developing fetus,” continued Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “All individuals of child-bearing age should take responsibility for the health of their family and learn about the adverse effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.”

To raise awareness about FASD, OASAS produced an educational brochure intended to warn individuals about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and provide resources for treatment or more information. The brochure is available on the OASAS Website www.oasas.state.ny.us/fasd which also features additional information and resources on FASD.

In February 2008, OASAS received a $1.2 million grant from Northrop Grumman for a multi-year effort to prevent FASD in New York. The funding will provide new programs on early prevention, intervention and screenings, and raise awareness of the dangers of FASD.

A new multi-agency FASD Workgroup began meeting in November 2007. Each participating agency is charged with examining issues such as: expanding FASD prevention efforts, raising public and professional awareness of FASD, ensuring alcohol prenatal screening of women and children, expanding capacity to diagnose children, and coordinating interventions treatment services for individuals affected by FASD across state systems.

Children born with FASD require a lifetime of services and can suffer from a variety of issues including learning problems, difficulties in school, chronic health problems, mental illness, and addiction. They are also at high risk of experiencing unemployment, homelessness and trouble with the law.

During pregnancy, consuming any type of alcohol including beer and wine can result in FASD. Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period of time is particularly harmful to a fetus and must be avoided during pregnancy. When a woman drinks alcohol it passes directly from her bloodstream to the placenta of the developing fetus and can cause permanent damage.

OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest addiction services programs, with 1,550 prevention and treatment providers which serve 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

For information or assistance with an alcohol or substance abuse problem, in New York state call the addictions helpline at 1-800-522-5353 or go to the OASAS Web Site at www.OASAS.state.ny.us.

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