National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is a non-profit public health charitable organization focused on the issue of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). NOFAS was founded in 1990 and advocates for improved public policy for people affected by FASD, provides resources for people living with FASD, and educates the public about FASD and the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant. NOFAS has a network of over 40 affiliates around the United States.

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
AbbreviationNOFAS
Formation1990
TypeNon-profit public health charitable organization
PurposeThe issue of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
LeaderTom Donaldson
Key people
Lisa Murkowski, John McCain, Orrin Hatch

NOFAS works in collaboration with several U.S. government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2010, the CDC awarded a four-year cooperative agreement to NOFAS to increase FASD support services.[1]

Tom Donaldson serves as director of NOFAS. He has been interviewed for the Chicago Tribune.[2] Kathy Mitchell serves as vice president and national spokesperson. Ms. Mitchell has written about FASD for The Partnership at Drugfree.org.[3] The NOFAS Advisory Board includes many prominent supporters, including U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, John McCain, Orrin Hatch, and Tom Coburn, FASD experts Sterling Clarren, Kenneth Jones, and Philip May, TV producer Neal Baer, and others.[4]

NOFAS takes the position that no amount of alcohol is safe to consume during pregnancy and opposes the view that light drinking during pregnancy (an occasional glass of wine) is safe.

NOFAS programs include:

  • Information clearinghouse of FASD facts and research
  • Support group for families with FASD
  • Peer mentoring group of birth mothers to children with FASD (Circle of Hope Birth Mothers Network)
  • Medical student curriculum
  • Public awareness campaigns, social media outreach
  • Trainings on FASD for doctors and public health professionals
  • Legislative/public policy advocacy

References
  1. "CDC - FASD, Training and Education - NCBDDD". Cdc.gov. 2013-04-15. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  2. "Ask the expert: Maternal drinking and FASD - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 2012-09-26. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  3. "Commentary: Creating a Circle of Hope to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders | The Partnership at". Drugfree.org. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  4. "NOFAS – Board & Staff". Nofas.org. 1996-01-09. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
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