The 9th Day of the 9th Month at 9:09 am

Every Sept 9^th Fetal Alcohol Awareness Day is observed to acknowledge Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which is the leading known cause of preventable developmental disability among Canadians.

People from all around the world gather for events at this time, to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol during the 9 months of pregnancy.   They gather in various communities, countries and continents to bring attention to the significant dangers of alcohol use in pregnancy, with the hopes that increasing awareness will help prevent this serious disease.  They host educational events, conferences, workshops and breakfasts.   They hold media events, put up displays and posters, provide pamphlets and advertisements, and then at 9:09am all over the world they ring bells.   The ringing of the bells is known as the “FAS Bell Concordance” and is a symbol of a “magic minute “.  Bell ringing was chosen as a symbol of warning, as bells are historically associated with warnings and alarms.

The Kingston FASD Action Network, established in 2002, holds an annual breakfast on International FASD day including a guest speaker and the bell concordance.   The Kingston FASD Action Network states that until the last baby is born with FASD they will continue observing International FASD Day.  For more information on the Kingston FASD Action Network or the FASD Breakfast to be held on Monday September 9^th 2013 please contact:  fasdactionnet@gmail.ca.  

If you would like to learn more about the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy or are looking to help someone close to you, call:                                                                                                                  

Motherisk Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline at 1 877-327-4636.