During the month of October, Tennessee is observing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Awareness Month. Over the last decade, opioid use in the United States and Tennessee has rapidly increased, causing an alarming number of babies born with NAS (991 babies in TN born with NAS in 2016), a set of withdrawal symptoms (fever, seizures, blotchy skin, continuous crying, rapid breathing, respiratory problems, and extreme sensitivity to light and sounds) a newborn may experience as a result of prenatal exposure to prescription drugs or heroin.

To raise awareness about NAS in our community, we are asking individuals to wear Pearls and Bowties for Babies on Friday, October 6.  DPC encourages you to invite your family, friends, Sunday School Classes, businesses, and coworkers to participate and post their photos on social media using the hashtag #NASMONTHTN.

 A suggested post could be as simple as, "A baby's life shouldn't begin with detox. I'm wearing my pearls/bowtie today to support NAS awareness in TN. #NASMONTHTN"

We look forward to seeing your photos on Friday, October 6! Thank you for joining us in creating a healthy and safe community, free of substance abuse.

A Baby’s Life Shouldn’t Begin With Detox, Due to Being Born Drug-Dependent.

Born Drug-Free in Tennessee with treatment and prenatal care as early in the pregnancy as possible.