A resolution to declare September 2025 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month and September 9, 2025, as FASD Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.
Impact
If passed, HR0165 would impact public health policies by promoting educational initiatives aimed at ensuring that families and healthcare providers are better informed about FASD. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for early identification and support for affected individuals, which could lead to improved outcomes and reduce the burden on families and the child welfare system. By recognizing September as FASD Awareness Month, the state would align its objectives with ongoing national efforts to enhance awareness and reduce the incidence of FASD, which has been shown to affect a significant number of U.S. school-aged children.
Summary
House Resolution 165 (HR0165) proposes to declare September 2025 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, with September 9 designated as FASD Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to increase awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which are developmental disabilities that arise from prenatal alcohol exposure. The resolution highlights the urgent need for coordinated support systems across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, and justice, to assist individuals impacted by FASD. It also underlines the preventability of FASD through the prohibition of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, stressing that this public health issue demands immediate attention and action.
Contention
The passage of HR0165 could potentially face challenges related to funding and resource allocation for effective public education and support systems. Although the resolution posits that FASD is a preventable condition, it also emphasizes the existing gaps in support for families affected by it. Critics may be concerned about the effectiveness of awareness campaigns without adequate funding for services that provide necessary early intervention and support for families dealing with the consequences of FASD. Overall, while HR0165 aims to bring attention to an essential public health issue, the effectiveness of its intended outcomes will depend significantly on the commitment of state agencies and community organizations to implement supporting initiatives.