WHEREAS, on the ninth day of the ninth month of each year, people around the world observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day in acknowledgment that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from any amount of alcohol, as it can be passed on to a developing baby; and

WHEREAS, prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the most recent research estimates that 1 in 20 U.S. children are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure at some point while in utero, which can cause lifelong neurodevelopmental impairments; and 

WHEREAS, impairments caused by alcohol exposure are spectrum-like and each child can be affected differently as expressed through physical, behavioral, academic, mental and social deficits; and

WHEREAS, children who have been exposed to alcohol during early development have many needs, but local services that attend to these needs are scarce; and

WHEREAS, few community members are informed enough about the behaviors children with fetal alcohol exposure express and often are not prepared to effectively interact with these children; and

WHEREAS, health care professionals, educators and organizations in communities all across Nevada are working together to bring awareness, education and resources to families of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; and

WHEREAS, the families of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders hope to bring awareness, acceptance and de-stigmatization for our children within our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2021, as

FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER AWARENESS DAY IN NEVADA