As a constituent and registered voter, I stand firmly in support of House Bill 1168. This bill would help thousands of Washington families gain access to critically needed prenatal substance exposure services. Prenatal substance exposure, which includes alcohol, is a problem in Washington State. Research has shown that 1 in 7 pregnancies are currently alcohol exposed, and that combined with the rising drug epidemic, leaves unintended consequences with 1 in 20 children being born with FASD and the growing number of infants with NAS or other conditions stemming from prenatal substance exposure. Supports and services for this population are specialized, currently limited, and unavailable in many areas of the state, particularly more rural areas. HB1168 would allow expansion of these much-needed services. I urge your support of HB 1168.
