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Building FASD State Systems Conferences
The SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence has convened eight Building FASD State Systems (BFSS) conferences. This annual conference is a unique approach to reaching representatives of States and U.S. territories involved in facets of public health and policymaking to increase awareness of and interest in prevention and treatment of FASD. The conference is designed to facilitate creation and enhancement of comprehensive statewide systems of care for FASD. BFSS conferences are part of the SAMHSA FASD Center’s response to its legislative mandate to provide technical assistance to communities developing systems of care. Links to information on each of these Conferences are provided here:
- Arlington, Virginia—May 1–3, 2012
The ninth BFSS Conference was attended by 281 participants from 48 States and the District of Columbia, 2 U.S. Territories, and several Native American communities. The theme was "Capitalizing on Awareness: Bringing the FASD Message to the Forefront," a reference to the conference’s proximity to the Nation’s Capitol and to the profound growth in awareness surrounding FASD since the first BFSS conference in 2003.
- Phoenix, Arizona—May 11–13, 2011
With the theme of "Hope, Faith, and Care: Rising to the Challenge of FASD," the eighth BFSS Conference attracted 230 participants from 49 States, the District of Columbia, two U.S. Territories, and numerous Native American communities, who came together to receive updates from experts in the field, share innovative techniques for addressing FASD, and network with peers.
- Nashville, Tennessee—May 4–6, 2010
Under the theme of "FASD: Harmony and Collaboration: Working Together to Keep FASD a Priority," the seventh BFSS Conference drew 189 participants from 48 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands, and numerous Native communities, coming together to network, share innovative techniques for addressing FASD, and provide updates on regional activities.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico—May 12–14, 2009
With the theme of "FASD: Reaching New Heights Together," the sixth BFSS Conference was attended by more then 200 participants from 47 states, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation, and three Canadian Provinces, who came together to network, share innovative techniques for addressing FASD, and provide updates on regional activities.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado—May 6–8, 2008
Under the theme of "Climbing Mountains: Bringing the Focus Back to FASD," the fifth BFSS Conference attracted more than 160 participants from 47 States, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation, and three U.S. territories, coming together to network, share innovative techniques for addressing FASD, and provide updates on regional activities.
- San Francisco, California—May 9–11, 2006
FASD State Coordinators, staff from public health agencies, and family members came together to advance the goal of building State capacity to address FASD.
- San Antonio, Texas—June 20–21, 2005
State representatives met to set goals for their States and to engage in brainstorming on the components of an ideal comprehensive system of care for FASD prevention and treatment.
- Kissimmee, Florida—May 5–6, 2004
State representatives met to share progress in addressing FASD and to develop plans for the future.
- Arlington, Virginia—May 18–20, 2003
The first BFSS Conference, provided an unprecedented opportunity to network and share experiences in addressing FASD.