FASD – an umbrella term describing the possible effects that may occur in an individual whose mother drank during pregnancy – affects an estimated 40,000 infants each year, more than autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and spina bifida combined. The shocking reality, however, is that FASD is 100 percent preventable.

To address this serious public-health problem, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) has launched a public awareness campaign to reduce FASD in Florida. The goal of the campaign, titled “Florida Fights FASD,” is to engage and educate Floridians about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

I urge you to join me in the fight against this growing, preventable disorder by observing FAS Awareness Day on Sept. 9. Together we can make a difference by sharing this message: no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

To learn more about FASD, to get involved in the Florida Fights FASD campaign or to register for an important community-action summit being held Oct. 20-21, in Tallahassee, visit www.FASD-FL.org.