Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                  September 9, 2008.

International FASD Awareness Day

September 9 is International FASD Awareness Day (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). The day remembers those affected by alcohol before they were born and is a time to support women to have healthy pregnancies! The ninth day of the ninth month represents the nine months of pregnancy and is the focus for organizations and agencies across Canada to raise awareness of FASD. No alcohol is the safest choice during the nine months of pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the term used for the harms that can occur in a fetus when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. Alcohol can cause both birth defects and brain damage in the unborn baby.

This year in Grey Bruce, three training events occur during September and October to increase awareness of FASD and to support individuals and families living with FASD. These events are open to anyone interested in learning more about FASD and will be of particular interest to health professionals, school staff, families and caregivers.

On September 18 and 19, Donna Debolt, Social Worker and FASD Specialist, will lead a workshop on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. This workshop is presented by Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre. For more information or to register, please call 519-797-3336.

On September 22 and 23, Donna Debolt will provide a workshop at Cape Croker, presented by the Aboriginal Head Start, FASD & Maternal Child Program. For more information or to register, contact Trina Thomas at 519-534-3911.

On October 29, the FASD Community Mobilization Committee will host a workshop in Chesley, Changing Expectations: Working Together to Support the Student with FASD. Dr Karen Baker, Clinical Psychologist with Regional Support Associates, will present on strategies to support the student with FASD. For more information or to register please, contact Beth Karrow at 519-376-9420 ext. 1231.

If you would like additional information on FASD or would like to learn more about local resources and supports for pregnant women, please call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

-30-

For more information:

Beth Karrow

Public Health Nurse, Family Health Team

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1231