This week marks two important awareness days focused on prevention and community support.

Sept. 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. This day is part of FASD Awareness Month, which was officially recognized by the Canadian government in 2020. It advocates for better diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD, bringing attention to the disorder and highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. This year’s theme, Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!, promotes healthy pregnancies and encourages everyone to work towards building a society that better supports individuals with FASD. To learn more about preventing prenatal alcohol exposure, see Vol. 5, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in association with the World Health Organization, this day aims to inspire open and honest discussions about suicide. It promotes a cultural shift from stigma and silence to understanding and support. The day’s core message — that suicide is preventable — encourages families, advocates and communities to engage with policy-makers to ensure suicide prevention remains a public health priority. To learn more about suicide prevention for young people, see Vol. 16, No. 4 and Vol. 17, No. 1 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.