Sept. 9 and 10 are important days for raising awareness of two preventable health concerns.

Sept. 9 marks international Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. Founded by three parent advocates in 1999, the day takes place on the ninth day of the ninth month to highlight the importance of avoiding alcohol for the full nine months of pregnancy. It was established to bring attention to FASD and to highlight the impact of prenatal exposure to alcohol on fetal development. FASD Awareness Day also advocates for better diagnosis and support for individuals living with FASD. To learn more about the prevention of FASD, see Vol. 5, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

The following day, Sept. 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is a major global health problem leading to more than 700,000 deaths each year. World Suicide Prevention Day aims to spread the message that suicide is preventable. It also raises awareness, works to reduce stigma and emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention in government policymaking. This year introduces a new triennial theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, which advocates for a societal shift from a culture of stigma and silence to one of support and understanding. 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.