What is FAS Day?

FAS Day is the short name for International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, which was observed for the first time on September 9, 1999, with a "Minute of Reflection" at 9:09 a.m.

It came about because a number of people on the online support group "FASlink" were feeling frustrated about the lack of awareness by professionals and the general public about FAS.

We were trying to figure out how to make the world more aware that woman should not drink in pregnancy - and also inform the world that millions of people throughout the world are suffering from brain damage caused by alcohol before they were born.

Twenty volunteers from around the world began working together to build awareness, and by September 9 we had 80 volunteer coordinators. All of this was accomplished with volunteers and no financial resources.

Our international butterflies really did cause a storm. The event generated enormous local media ,we decided to do it again in 2003 - only bigger and better!


Everyone participating in FAS Day is invited to share in the "Minute of Reflection" -- 9:09 a.m. on September 9, as it goes around the world. In this magical moment - the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month - we want to get out the message that in the nine months of pregnancy, while breastfeeding or planning to conceive, women should not drink alcohol. In this minute, we also want the world to remember those millions of people around the world who are living with fetal alcohol disorders.

If a large bell or carillon is not accessible or appropriate, participants can do many things to observe that special minute. -- in accordance with their own cultural background or religious beliefs.

The Minute of Reflection symbolizes the worldwide circle of community which links all of us who care about FAS, all of us who are working towards prevention, all of us who are trying to help children and adults with fetal alcohol disorders reach their full potential. Here are nine more suggestions for observing the Minute of Reflection. If you have other ideas, please share them with us.

Alone or with others, sit outside quietly and listen to the birds, or the wind blowing through the trees, or water lapping against the shore of a river or lake. You may want to focus on the wonderful gifts and strengths of the person (s) with FAS/E in your life.




Listen to an excerpt of your favorite music. (Again, any suggestions?)




Play a musical instrument, alone, or with fellow musicians -- or ring tiny bells and "triangles" . Sit in a circle and share some pure spring water with people you care about.




Place a long-distance phone call to a special friend who is equally committed to the FAS issue: you could even make it a three-way or teleconference call.




You may find 9:09 a.m. inconvenient and may prefer to mark the Minute of Reflection at 9:09 p.m., and light a candle to symbolize both the flame of your love for individuals living with FAS, and your burning desire to eradicate this preventable disease.




Simple silence. Each person with FAS is different, and those of us who love them respect their differences. Respecting each other while working together is what FAS Day is about.