Dunleavy proclaims Sept. 9 FASD Awareness Day, citing Alaska's high per capita rate

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proclaimed Sept. 9 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in Alaska. The proclamation cites the state's consistently high per capita prevalence of FASDs and lifetime costs that run into the millions of dollars per person.

The date falls on the ninth day of the ninth month, marking pregnancy's nine months. It mirrors Dunleavy's Sept. 9, 2025 proclamation.

The proclamation calls FASDs a leading cause of preventable, permanent birth defects and developmental disabilities. It says the conditions often go undiagnosed until a child reaches school age. There is no cure, but early intervention, diagnosis and treatment can help children cope significantly. Dunleavy encouraged Alaskans "to abstain from alcohol consumption throughout the course of pregnancy, and to support pregnant family members, friends, and neighbors in their commitment to protect the next generation."

State FASD programs work with local, state and national groups to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies and support affected families. Only 10% of the 937 pregnant Alaskans who needed substance-use treatment in 2022 received it, according to a Department of Health notice.