Governor’s Commission on
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Prevention, Treatment and
Recovery
New Hampshire
Liquor Commission
NH Department of Health
and Human Services
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2015
Contact: E.J. Powers
603.644.3200x11
[email protected]
Alcohol Free Is the Best Choice For Pregnancy:
New Posters On Display at NH Liquor & Wine Outlets
NHLC, NH DHHS, Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, and March of Dimes support the message
that “No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy”
Concord- The New Hampshire Liquor Commission, the Department of Health and Human Services, the
March of Dimes and the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and
Recovery, have launched a new poster campaign to remind the public about the preventable harm
associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Unveiled on November 9, 2015, the poster provides a
clear message that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The Governor's Commission on
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery posters, which are featured prominently in
NH Liquor & Wine Outlets, encourage the public to visit drugfreenh.org for facts that support the
importance of protecting the unborn from exposure to alcohol and other drugs.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the placenta and umbilical cord allow
many things that a mother is taking in to pass through to the growing fetus. If alcohol is consumed by a
pregnant woman, it exposes the baby to the alcohol which presents significant risks to the developing
fetus while in the womb and long after birth. Some of the physical and developmental harm that can be
caused by fetal exposure to alcohol, often grouped together under the term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder or FASD, include abnormal facial features, lower-than-average height and weight, poor
coordination, hyperactivity, attention disorders, poor memory, learning disabilities and speech and
language delays. FASD is completely preventable.
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth
and infant mortality and is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. “We are
committed to promoting healthy birth outcomes through national, state and local initiatives,” said
Michelle O’Malley, Executive Director of NH Division of the March of Dimes. “November is
Prematurity Awareness Month and we are pleased to be in a collaborative partnership with the New
Hampshire Liquor Commission and Department of Health and Human Services to promote this important
public health message. Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can result in low birthweight babies, birth
defects and babies born preterm. No amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe for your baby.”
“In public health, we get excited when something is 100% preventable,” remarked DHHS Commissioner
Nick Toumpas. “Our message to women who are or may become pregnant is that staying clear of alcohol
throughout pregnancy is one of the most important things they can do for the health of their baby. We are
very appreciative of the partnership between NH DHHS and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission,
March of Dimes and Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and
Recovery. Together we can spread the message that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.”
State health and NHLC officials held a small recognition ceremony on November 9th at Hooksett
Northbound NH Liquor & Wine Outlet. The posters will be visible in NH Liquor & Wine Outlets and
other private retailers in the coming year.
Photo caption: The New Hampshire Liquor Commission, the Department of Health and Human
Services, the March of Dimes and the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention,
Treatment, and Recovery, have launched a new poster campaign to remind the public about the
preventable harm associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The posters, which provide a clear
message that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy will be featured in all NH Liquor & Wine
Outlet locations. Pictured in photo (left to right) are Chairman Joseph Mollica, NH Liquor Commission;
Michelle O’Malley, NH Division of March of Dimes; Patricia Tilley, NH Division of Public Health; Dr.
Becky Ewing, NH Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and
Recovery; Commission Nick Toumpas, NH Division of Health and Human Services; Deputy
Commissioner Michael Milligan, NH Liquor Commission; and Deputy Director Scott Dunn, NH Liquor
Commission Division of Enforcement and Licensing.
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