Johnson reintroduces fetal alcohol spectrum disorders bill

• Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Tim Johnson was one of three senators who reintroduced the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act to improve research, prevention, and services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Johnson, D-S.D., was joined by Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, in sponsoring the bill.

FASD is an umbrella term that describes a range of physical and mental birth defects that can occur in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is a leading cause of non-hereditary cognitive disability.

“This devastating disease is entirely preventable, and yet it continues to impact our communities,” said Johnson. “The bill we reintroduced today seeks a balance between directing federal resources to prevention and research activities and services for individuals living with FASD and their families.”

The legislation contains provisions to require the National Institutes of Health to develop a research agenda, improve FASD screening and prevention programs and facilitate the development of statewide systems and community partnerships.

The bill would provide federal grants for pilot projects to determine and implement the best practices for educating children with FASD within the school system, as well as educating professionals about services for children. Funding would also be made available to improve services for individuals with FASD who are incarcerated or otherwise involved in the justice system.

Federal grants would also be made available to states, tribes, tribal organizations and other non-profit organizations to develop support services such as vocational training, housing assistance and mental health services for adults with the disease. The bill authorizes $27 million in funding for all of these programs for fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

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