September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the challenges faced by those who are affected by this condition.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a group of conditions that can cause medical, behavioral, and social problems for children and adults who have had prenatal alcohol exposure. It can affect their physical features, growth, learning, and behavior.

FASD is 100 percent preventable, but there is no safe amount of alcohol for a pregnant person to drink. Even one or two drinks can harm a developing baby. That’s why the South Carolina’s Department of Social Services and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services have launched the “Don’t Risk It” campaign, to educate the public about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to support those who are living with FASD.

The campaign website DontRiskItSC.com offers many resources and information sessions on FASD4. You can also show your support by wearing red on September 9, the International FASD Awareness Day. Together, we can prevent FASD and help those who are affected by it.