Whereas; the term “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder” (FASD) describes the range of exceptionalities that may affect in an individual who was exposed to alcohol in utero/during pregnancy - there is no safe amount, no safe time, or no safe kind of alcohol that a pregnant individual can drink during pregnancy; and
Whereas; prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of birth defects, such as physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning challenges; and
Whereas; the exact number of people who have FASD is unknown, but in Canada it is estimated that 4 percent of the population are born with effects of prenatal alcohol exposure annually; and
Whereas; people around the world began observing International FASD Awareness Day on September 9 each year beginning in 1999, in order that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy it is important to abstain from alcohol; and
THEREFORE, I, Doug Measures, Mayor of the Township of Clearview, do hereby declare September 9th, 2026 as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day” to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, to increase acceptance and support for those individuals so affected, to minimize further effects, and to ensure a healthier community in the future.