FASD Awareness Month 2025

Hosted by the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are lifelong conditions caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. FASD affects up to 1 in 20 school-aged children — including thousands of families in Central Ohio every year. These challenges can touch learning, behavior, health, and everyday life — yet are entirely preventable when there’s no alcohol use during pregnancy.

Why It Matters Here

  • Confront stigma, shame, and silence
  • Share practical prevention guidance
  • Recognize and uplift families living with (or at risk for) FASD

Youth Digital Art Contest (Sept 1–23)

  • Who: Middle and high school students in Franklin County (one entry per student)
  • Theme: “No Amount Is Safe” for alcohol use during pregnancy; Healthy Families, Strong Fathers
  • How: Submit original artwork (painting, drawing, digital art, collage, or photo) as a JPG or PDF. Include your name, school, grade, and title.
  • Where: Email a picture of your artwork to [email protected]
  • Prizes: Art supply kits for the top 3 entries; certificates for all finalists. Winning art will be showcased at our September 25th event and online.
  • Official Rules

Prevention & Support Resources

FASD is more common than autism, but most children go undiagnosed and families often feel alone — help change that.

  • 1 in 20 local students may be living with FASD
  • FASD is 100% preventable
  • No safe time, type, or amount of alcohol during pregnancy

Explore our resource hub: entry forms, flyers, shareable graphics, and information for families and educators.

Red Shoes Rock Campaign (Sept 1–30)

  • Wear red shoes in September and post a photo using #RedShoesRock to raise awareness and support families.
  • Check out the prevention billboard at Livingston & Rhoads reminding everyone: “No Amount Is Safe.”
  • Sign up for weekly updates with prevention tips, family resources, and event reminders.

Celebrate With Us

Film Screening & Youth Art Awards
Thursday, September 25, 2025 · 6–8 PM
Rickenbacker Woods Foundation, 1330 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus

  • Watch Moment to Moment: An FASD Project
  • Q&A panel with experts, youth, and family voices
  • Youth art contest gallery and awards

What You Can Do

  • Wear red shoes and share your photo
  • Encourage a student to enter the art contest
  • Bring a friend or family member to the September 25 screening
  • Post campaign materials at your school, faith center, or business
  • Subscribe for weekly email updates

Need help?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (614) 427-3201

Together, we can make prevention visible and build a healthier, more supportive Columbus. Every voice and every action counts.