Sarasota, FL The Florida Center for Early Childhood is shining a light on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) this September, in recognition of FSAD Awareness Month. Affecting an estimated 1 in 20 individuals, FASD is often called an “invisible” disability, yet it can have lifelong implications. The Florida Center operates the state’s only diagnostic clinic, headquartered in Sarasota with additional locations in other regions to serve families in need.
In affiliation with FASD United, a national education and advocacy organization, The Florida Center is participating in Run FASD – a 5k run/walk happening virtually or in person. The Florida Center is sponsoring multiple run/walk events across the state. These gatherings aim to unite communities, families, and individuals with the shared goal of increasing awareness and support for those affected by FASD.
FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These disorders can result in a wide spectrum of lifelong difficulties, including learning disabilities, speech and language delays, cognitive impairments, behavioral challenges, and physical abnormalities. It is a little-known, yet pressing public health concern.
Join The Florida Center for the Sarasota area walk/run, which will be held at Oasis Church, 5215 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, FL 34211 on September 9th at 9 a.m. Participants can choose to run or walk the course, enjoying a supportive and inclusive atmosphere with fun for all.
For more information about the Run FASD 5k, including registration details and event updates, please visit https://www.thefloridacenter.org/schedule/run-fasd-5k-run-walk/
For media inquiries contact:
Kristina Englund, Marketing Manager (p) 941-371-8820 x1027 (e) Kristina.englund@thefloridacenter.org
About The Florida Center for Early Childhood
For more than 40 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in various specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic, with locations in Sarasota and Orlando.