Accomplishments of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Committee

 

 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the range of mental and physical disabilities that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. An estimated 9 in every 1,000 babies born in Canada are affected by FASD. Since 939 babies were born in Renfrew County in 2005, it can be inferred that 9 of these babies are affected by FASD.

 

FASD puts a heavy social and economic burden on those with FASD, their families, their communities and our society as a whole. FASD is a life-long disability. With the right supports, approaches and services, people with FASD lead happy and productive lives. While there is no cure, the disorder is preventable.

 

In 2001, the Health Unit spearheaded the formation of the Renfrew County & District FASD Committee. Committee members are workers from the Health Unit, parent support and social service agencies, and private citizens who share an interest in FASD. The Committee works to develop strategies to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to support families affected by FASD in Renfrew County and District.

 

The Renfrew County and District FASD Committee has worked on a number of initiatives since 2001:

 

• Compiled a directory of local services for women identified at risk for alcohol use during pregnancy. This was distributed to all partner organizations on the FASD Committee, family doctors, and at workshops about FASD.

 

• Recognizes FASD Day on September 9^th each year. Advertisements and stories are submitted to local newspapers. In 2005, the Committee worked with STAR 96 FM and Ernie Parson (MPP for Prince Edward – Hastings) to broadcast information about Sandy’s Law, an amendment to the Liquor License Act in 2005.

 

• Distributed posters about Sandy’s Law (Bill 43) to all licensed establishments in Renfrew County.

 

• Shared educational resources with all schools in Renfrew County.

 

• Made presentations to teachers and school support counsellors in Renfrew County.

 

• Paid for educational messages on Brum’s Dairy’s 1% milk cartons.

 

• Held three workshops to educate to teachers, health and social service workers and interested members of the community.

 

“Working with FASD” Workshop

On Nov.6 & 7, 2006, the FASD Committee hosted a workshop led by Dr. Kathy Jones and titled Working with FASD: Supporting families and youth in the community at school and at home. Dr. Jones is a Specialist for Children with Special Needs for West Region Child and Family Services in Manitoba. She also provides clinical support to the Kenora Association for Community Living and teaches part-time at the University of Manitoba. She is the parent of a child with FASD.  There were 130 participants at the workshop from health, social service and education agencies, as well as parents and guardians of children with FASD.