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Copyright © 2009 The Arc of Riverside County. All Rights Reserved | Phone: (951) 688-5141 | Fax: (951) 688-7202 | E-mail Us

So, what is the NineZero Project?

Mission

Nine month, Zero alcohol.

Our Philosophy

The NineZero Project of The Arc of Riverside County relies on educational and social marketing techniques to inform target groups about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.  NineZero stands for “Nine months, Zero alcohol” and means that during the nine months of pregnancy, zero alcohol is safe.

Strategic Direction

To educate target groups - 1) youth in their formative years, 2) women in recovery, 3) women seeking prenatal care, and 4) the general public - on the negative consequences of drinking during pregnancy which leads to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and to become a respected voice in the conversation among young people and others about their responsibility for increasing awareness and preventing this number one cause of developmental disabilities; throughout the U.S. and beyond.

To accomplish this, we partner with countries, states, counties, communities, schools and advocates to provide a global concept with cost effective tools for local implementation.

Our History and Background

To combat the number one cause of mental retardation and the myriad of secondary disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, The Arc of Riverside developed The NineZero Project. Beginning in 2001, the NineZero Project has developed into an educational campaign complete with its own peer education curriculum and a growing active social marketing component. In 2004 The NineZero Project launched, in Riverside County, a peer education curriculum in high schools called FASTRAC which stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Training and Research Campaign.  Currently, students from 30+ schools (and other venues where students congregate to learn, socialize and volunteer) have been trained and are participating in this FASD prevention module. The FASTRAC curriculum is typically used in freshman health classes by upper class students. Other components of the NineZero initiative include materials and media messages that together comprise a coordinated social marketing effort, one that reaches well beyond the high school classroom. It uses public service announcements, posters, rack cards for doctors’ offices, health fair materials, Internet interactivity and personal connection in this multi-faceted campaign.

Our education and social marketing efforts – which are designed to combat the ignorance, indifference and misinformation concerning drinking during pregnancy -- are aimed at four target groups: women of reproductive years (especially perinatal), youth, people in substance abuse programs, and to a certain extent, the general public.  The first three groups have been identified as high risk by the Centers for Disease Control. By focusing on the social environment through education and awareness-raising in targeted populations, we aim to reduce the incidence of FASD that lead to a lifetime of physical and medical conditions, and disabilities that are totally preventable.

Program Description

FASTRAC – Student Version

The FASTRAC student version is a one class time curriculum designed for peer-to-peer. It incorporates a dynamic PowerPoint presentation complete with scripted narrative and interactive activities that allow young people and other target groups to teach their peers about FASD and how to prevent it.  We use the peer education model because it is an efficacious form of health education; this method of educational training allows the presenters to become leaders while building self-confidence, increasing their public speaking skills, and develops active community health advocates. 

FASTRAC- Substance Abuse Program Version

The FASTRAC Substance Abuse Program version is designed for recovery centers as a workshop or supplemental program curriculum. It was beta tested with representatives of the state Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) and with participants in local substance abuse programs to enthusiastic reception.

NineZero Prenatal Prevention Materials and Training

Expectant women are a crucial and significant demographic to receive information about fetal alcohol. Although the incident rates of FAS are higher in first nation groups, overall FASD incidents span all economic and ethnic barriers. With wine advertisements of its antioxidants, the current economic climate increases alcohol consumption, and physicians encouraging minimal alcohol use, the need is intensifying. In partnership with clinics, health departments, and hospitals NineZero offers clinician updated training, CEUs, rack cards, brochures, and patient commitment “NineZero” wristbands with an enclosed NineZero message insert that can be personalized for doctors or facilities.

An example is our collaboration with San Bernardino County’s Partnership for Healthy Babies, we are educating OB doctors and health professionals on techniques and strategies, and supplying them with materials they can use as part of an overall program to convince pregnant women to quit drinking alcohol throughout pregnancy. A three-year follow-up study indicates that the birth weight of babies born to mothers using these clinics and exposed to a variety of prevention activities is going steadily up. With the help of our county contacts and partners we will collect the best ideas and resources, and evaluate them for possible use throughout the state to further contribute to said increase in weight.

Social Marketing Campaigns

The NineZero Project social marketing efforts aims to educate the general public and complement programs, clinics, hospitals, and agencies that aim to prevent FASD by providing low-cost alternative products and services.   The focal point of the social marketing effort of the NineZero Project is the NineZero website (NineZero.org). The site features activities, information, free downloadable print materials, helpful links, inspirational videos, wristbands, an interactive blog that keeps health information seekers up-to-date on issues related to FASD, and more.  We offer counties, through a license agreement, the ability to use our name, logo, billboards, and other materials to enhance their FASD campaign.

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