(Indianapolis, IN)—One in twenty children meet the criteria for being diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD crosses all service systems, socioeconomic, gender, and racial lines and is a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Indiana received an FASD Day Proclamation, signed by Governor Eric Holcomb, declaring September 9th as Indiana FASD Awareness Day. This effort was led by Susan Elsworth, founder and Executive Director of the Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure and Heather French, leader of the Indiana Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition. It marks the first time the Governor has supported statewide awareness of FASD, which is a huge step forward for Hoosiers living with an FASD and their families.
Both Susan and Heather are parents of individuals with an FASD and have experience in navigating systems in search of appropriate support and services for their children. Susan and Heather work collaboratively to bring stakeholders to the table to improve the quality of life for those with prenatal alcohol exposure and their caregivers. The coalition seeks to make systems change and unify the voices calling for change.
For more information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, contact Executive Director Susan Elsworth at selsworth@mhai.net or visit our website at www.inalliancepse.org
