HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 165
Reps. Meerman, Longjohn, Miller, Paiz, Paquette, Rheingans, Rigas and Witwer offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of lifelong, brain- and body-based developmental disabilities resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting behavior, learning, and health across the lifespan; and
Whereas, FASD is a lifelong developmental disability that requires coordinated, neurodiversity-affirming support in schools, health care, behavioral health, employment, housing, and the justice system; and
Whereas, National research indicates that up to 1 in 20 U.S. school-aged children may have an FASD, underscoring the magnitude of this public-health issue and the need for early identification and appropriate supports; and
Whereas, Organizations in Michigan have taken steps to address FASD ? including the Children?s FASD System of Care operating within community mental health systems in Genesee, Macomb, Muskegon, Oakland, and Ottawa counties, and providing statewide training efforts reaching child-welfare, substance-use, juvenile-justice, education, medical, and community partners; and
Whereas, People across Michigan and the United States observe FASD Awareness Month each September and FASD Awareness Day on September 9 (the ninth day of the ninth month, symbolizing a healthy, alcohol-free nine-month pregnancy), an observance recognized in Michigan in previous years; and
Whereas, Michigan families affected by FASD frequently encounter fragmented services, under-diagnosis, and misdiagnosis, resulting in preventable school disruptions, family stress, and costly crisis responses; and
Whereas, National studies show substantial under-identification of FASD in schools and clinics; and
Whereas, Children with FASD are disproportionately represented in child-welfare and foster-care settings nationwide. This is reflected by a recent scoping review estimating about 18.8% of children in foster care have an FASD, and other U.S. research in child-welfare population reported 25-28% with FASD, however, Michigan?s administrative datasets (e.g., AFCARS/NCANDS) do not currently report statewide counts of children with FASD; and
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides public education on FASD and emphasizes that FASD is 100% preventable if alcohol is not consumed during pregnancy; and
Whereas, Public awareness campaigns-especially during September-that clearly communicate there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy and that emphasis on compassionate, family-centered support help inform citizens about FASD; and
Whereas, Prevention, early screening, and appropriate accommodations markedly improve outcomes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of the legislative body declare September 2025 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month and September 9, 2025, as FASD Awareness Day in the state of Michigan; and, be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Education, the State Court Administrative Office, and the Michigan FASD Task Force.