FASD Awareness Month 2026: Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community

Vitalité Health Network, Wednesday, September 3, 2026 – As International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day approaches on September 9, the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence invites the public to learn more about FASD and to consider ways to provide collective and inclusive support to individuals with FASD, their families, and their loved ones.

September is officially recognized in Canada as FASD Awareness Month. The 2026 theme is “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community.” It highlights the power of collective support in building a society where people with FASD and their families can thrive.

A community extends far beyond professionals. It brings together people with lived experience, families, loved ones, neighbours, learning environments, workplaces, community organizations, and everyday support networks.

“Supporting people with FASD and promoting alcohol-free pregnancies are shared responsibilities. When we work together, we create environments where everyone feels understood, valued, supported, and fully included”, said Annette Cormier, Manager of the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence.

Prevalence and tailored support

Current data indicate that at least 4% of the Canadian population may have FASD, that is, approximately 1.6 million people. Despite its prevalence, FASD remains underdiagnosed, and many people may have difficulty accessing diagnostic assessments or appropriate services.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that describes the permanent effects on the brain and body of a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Every person with FASD has a unique set of strengths and challenges. With appropriate support measures, suitable environments, and a better understanding of their needs, individuals with FASD can reach their full potential, pursue their goals, and contribute fully to their communities.

Role of the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence

The New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence is a bilingual provincial program offered through Vitalité Health Network. It provides provincial leadership and specialized expertise in FASD prevention, interdisciplinary diagnostic assessment, post-diagnostic support, education, training, research, and capacity building.

The Centre works with people with lived experience, families, caregivers, professionals and community partners. It seeks to provide services that are accessible and tailored to linguistic, cultural and community realities.

In its work with First Nations, the Centre prioritizes respectful and culturally safe relationships that recognize each community’s leadership, knowledge, priorities and ways of doing things.

Prevention and awareness without judgment

FASD Awareness Month is also an opportunity to talk about prevention in a respectful, caring and nonjudgmental way. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. It is therefore safer to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.

Alcohol use during pregnancy can, however, be influenced by many factors, including mental health, addiction, trauma, violence, grief, stress, isolation, poverty, and access to health care. Therefore, prevention does not only rely on the pregnant person: partners, families, communities, professionals, and service systems all play a part.

Anyone concerned about their alcohol use during pregnancy should have access to information, care, and support that are accessible, culturally safe and nonjudgmental.

Lighting up red to raise awareness of FASD

On September 9, communities across Canada will participate in awareness activities, with selected buildings and monuments lighting up in red in support of the cause.

In Moncton, Downing Street, Downtown Place, and the Avenir Centre are among the locations that will be lit up in red to mark International FASD Awareness Day.

Red shoes are also associated with the international Red Shoes Rock movement. They have become a symbol of visibility, strength and pride for the FASD community. The public is invited to wear red shoes or clothing and share their activities using the hashtags #FASDMonth and #RedShoesRock.

The New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence encourages the public to take advantage of the month of September to learn more, listen to individuals with lived experience, challenge stereotypes, and reflect on practical changes that can make communities more accessible, understanding, and inclusive.

Throughout September, representatives from the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence are available for media inquiries and interviews. They can discuss FASD, prevention, stigma reduction, FASD-informed practices, and how communities can support individuals and families across New Brunswick.

To learn more about FASD, FASD Awareness Month, and ways to get involved in the campaign, check out page du Mois du TSAF de CanFASD.

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