(Photo courtesy of County of Hawaii)

MEDIA RELEASE

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is 100 percent preventable if a woman doesn’t drink alcohol when she is pregnant.

According to the Institute of Medicine, “of all substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.”

On Sept. 9, community members in support of alcohol-free pregnancy joined Mayor Billy Kenoi at a proclamation signing for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.

Posters informing that no amount or type of alcohol is safe to consume during pregnancy were developed through a partnership between Hawaii District Health Office, Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii County Department of Liquor Control, Tutu’s House and local photographer Glory Guerpo.

The posters will be distributed to licensed establishments that serve alcohol island-wide via members of the Hawaii Island Perinatal Consortium and the Department of Liquor Control.

Kenoi, Sen. Gilbert Kahele, and Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth voiced their support for prevention of the often devastating effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Neighborhood Place of Puna, Hawaii Island YWCA, Easter Seals Hawaii were among agencies who shared information about their services.

For further information contact audrey.inaba@doh.hawaii.gov or call (808) 974-4292.