Tomorrow is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day in B.C. and community events are taking place in Prince George to help raise awareness about the disorder and the struggles that families living with FASD go through every day.

The Structured for Success Program will hold several public events on Sept. 9 in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, AimHi, the Child Development Centre, South Fort George Family Resource Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, Northern Family Health Society, Prince George Native Friendship Centre, School District 57 and Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society.

In the morning, Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers will read the Proclamation for FASD Prevention and Support Day at city hall. The event will mark a 'pregnancy pause' - observing a moment of silence to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.

In the afternoon, a provincial court judge will speak at the South Fort George Family Resource Centre about the courts and FASD. Fun family activities will be held - such as a watermelon relay and cake walk, display booths and entertainment.

Throughout the year, Structured for Success runs many community-based programs in FASD awareness, prevention and support. Pregnant women are encouraged to attend educational workshops, informing them about the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant and families living with FASD are given emotional and practical support.

Quick Facts:

• FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications.
• Health Canada estimates approximately nine in every 1,000 infants are born with FASD.
• B.C. is considered a world leader in the field of FASD prevention, diagnosis, assessment, intervention and support.
• In March 2008, B.C. released a 10-year provincial plan called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building on Strengths (2008-2018). The plan establishes a guide to provincial, regional and community efforts to address FASD.

Learn More:

For more information on Northern Health and its programs, go to: http://www.northernhealth.ca/

Contact:

Cindy Rose
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639