Board proclaims September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in Santa Clara County

The board read and adopted a proclamation recognizing September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month in Santa Clara County and described the county’s multi-system approach to prevention, diagnosis and intervention.

The presenter noted that prenatal alcohol exposure can cause lifelong brain damage under the FASD umbrella and cited prevalence estimates: approximately 5% of the general population and higher rates among children in foster care and people involved with the justice system. The transcript includes a presenter’s estimate—attributed to a program speaker—of roughly 92,000 County residents who could be affected if a 5% prevalence estimate is applied to the county population.

Presenters highlighted Valley Medical Center’s long-standing diagnostic work, including an early diagnostic clinic and a Spanish-language support group, and said the county is entering a phase focused on screening, training and diagnosis as part of a coordinated five-year plan. Catherine Page, president of FASD NorCal (Northern California), accepted the proclamation and described the clinic’s impact on families when they receive a diagnosis and supports.

The board commended county behavioral health and medical partners for their work and affirmed the proclamation as a step to raise awareness and expand screening and services.