International FAS Bell Concordance Day
Churches and Communities Unite to Increase Awareness of FAS
Feb 1, 2009
In late February, 1999, a small group of concerned parents began to change the world by increasing awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, one of the most common causes of birth defects. They continue even now to carry their message across the world.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The issue is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, a wide range of birth defects covering Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), and Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD.) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading cause of Mental Retardation in industrialized nations, and the only cause which is fully preventable. Frustrated by the lack of awareness of FAS by both the general public and professionals, a small group of committed parents communicated on-line for more than two years. By September 9th, 1999, this group had grown to over 70 volunteer coordinators in eight countries. They formed FASworld, an international alliance of parents and professionals who do not want to see any more children struggle with the birth defects caused because their mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy.
International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day
On September 9th, 1999 at 9:09 a.m., bells around the world marked the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day. The group of parents and volunteers named the ringing of this bell, “The FAS Bell Concordance.” It was first observed with a “Minute of Silent Reflection” in respect to the thousands of babies born each year with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), or Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD).
It was a very successful campaign, and other organizations world wide have now replicated the campaign in their communities. The symbolism of the bell is a purity that reminds of the innocence of children. Bells are also historically associated with warnings, alarms, and the marking of a notable moment. It is a way for people to become involved in a positive manner and become connected to a critical community concern.
FAS Bell Concordance Day continues each September 9th, to provide an opportunity to build awareness and understanding of FAS in localities, and give both the general public and health care professionals the education and opportunity to deal with this tragic health problem.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome remains the leading cause of Mental Retardation and the only cause which is fully preventable. Babies born with FAS or FAE are also at high risk for learning disabilities and behavioral problems including school drop-out, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism and drug addiction, mental illness, domestic abuse and divorce, unemployment, poverty, and vandalism and property crimes. Many experts believe that as many as 1 in every 100 people are affected with FASD. The lifetime cost is estimated to be up to 5 million dollars per person for related health care and special education costs. As a safe level of drinking for pregnant women has never been established, the best advice for any woman pregnant or considering pregnancy, is to completely abstain from alcohol.
Sponsoring an Event
The sponsors of the Bell Concordance Day are parents and volunteers. They only want to remind the world to remember those millions of babies who will never reach their genetic potential because of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. They also ask that it be remembered that FAS is the most common and damaging birth defect in the world, and that it is the only cause of this type of birth defect which could be totally prevented.
On the ninth minute, of the ninth day, of the ninth month, at 9:09 a.m. each September 9th, the world is asked to remember that during the entire nine months of pregnancy, a woman should not drink any alcohol. Each community is invited to sponsor or participate in this event in their own towns and cities.
References
Fetal Alcohol and Drug Effects
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