Thomas Daschle: “10 years ago, I met with an extraordinary group of people in the basement of a home in suburban Maryland, just outside…”

“10 years ago, I met with an extraordinary group of people in the basement of a home in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. They came from all kinds of backgrounds and fields, but they were united by one common desire, and that was to try to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome and help children and families who are living with its consequences. The other night, I saw some of those same people again at a reception celebrating the 10th anniversary of NOFAS, the National Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Born in that suburban Maryland basement 10 years ago, NOFAS is now the world's leading clearinghouse for information on fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. I am proud to say that my wife and I serve on its board of directors. At the reception the other night, I was asked to say a few words about why I support NOFAS. I could have cited its pivotal role in the significant advances in our understanding of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. Ten years ago, we knew very little about fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects, its only slightly milder version. Today, we know that as many as 40,000 children are born each year in this country with FAS and other alcohol-related conditions, costing Americans more than $3 billion a year in direct health care expenses. We know that fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading known cause of mental retardation among children.”