First celebrated on September 9, 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.

2025 Theme is Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action! 

This year’s FASD Awareness Month theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”.

Each of us has a role to play in creating a society that supports individuals with FASD and promotes healthy pregnancies. Small actions lead to big change – whether it’s taking a training session, raising awareness in your community, or having important conversations with loved ones about alcohol-free pregnancies. When we all take action, we build a more inclusive, informed, and supportive society.

During this month, there is also the Red Shoes Rock Campaign. First started as a grassroots initiative, this campaign has grown globally. Participants are encouraged to rock their red shoes and share an image on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock to bring more awareness to FASD.

FIREFLY’s Commitment

Please see FIREFLY’s proclamation on FASD Awareness Month below:

WHEREAS: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe the impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges; and

WHEREAS: FIREFLY is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of FASD, supporting healthy and alcohol-free pregnancies, and advocating for improved access to early diagnosis, assessment, and lifelong supports for individuals with FASD and their families; and

WHEREAS: Raising public awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure is essential in preventing alcohol-use during pregnancy and promoting the health and well-being of future generations; and

WHEREAS: Individuals with FASD, when provided with the appropriate accommodations and supports, can thrive, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and lead fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS: International FASD Awareness Day is observed globally on September 9, 2025, as a reminder of the importance of alcohol-free pregnancies throughout the nine months of gestation, and to encourage compassion, inclusion, and support for those impacted by FASD; and

WHEREAS: This year’s FASD Awareness Month theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, highlights the power of collective responsibility. Whether through education, advocacy, community engagement, or open conversations, every individual has a role to play in building a more inclusive and supportive community for those with FASD;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT FIREFLY does hereby proclaim the month of September 2025 as:

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month”

and September 9, 2025, shall be known as

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day”

in the Northwestern Ontario region we serve.