Wear Something Red this Friday for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day
Get ready to start conversations about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in September!
The ninth day of the ninth month symbolises the nine months of pregnancy, and events to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are held globally throughout the month of September. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have the privilege of being the first in the world to mark it!
Wear something red this Friday
Red shoes are the international symbol for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness, and thousands of people around the world wear them on September 9. Whilst it is wonderful to have an international campaign to support, we are interested in creating an Aotearoa-specific one for 2023 – so you don’t have to wear red shoes to take part in raising awareness around FASD!
About FASD
Alcohol is a teratogen; an agent or substance known to alter the course of normal fetal development. Alcohol consumed by the mother is transferred freely to their baby via the placenta and umbilical cord, where it can interfere with how the rapidly-developing cells grow and migrate to form the whole body.
The pattern of abnormal development associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy is recognised by the medical term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- Alcohol exposure in pregnancy
- Harm from alcohol exposure during pregnancy
- What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
- How many New Zealanders have FASD?
- The social and economic impact of FASD
- Aotearoa New Zealand FASD Action Plan
- Warning labels on alcohol products
FASD Webinar - Friday 9 September 2022 at 9am:
Come together online in solidarity on FASD Awareness Day in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together we’ll turn a spotlight on the year behind us and on the challenges ahead. Join us on 09/09 at 09am nau mai, haere mai!
Speakers include: FASD-CAN Chair Leigh Henderson, Harsh Vardhan from Te Whatu Ora, educator Tania Henderson, Janell Dymus of Hāpai Te Hauora, Anita Gibbs of the University of Otago, Nicki Jackson of Alcohol Healthwatch and journalist Paula Penfold.