FASD Awareness Day – Let’s Talk About It

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is inviting communities, families, and individuals to join the conversation about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on September 9. Let’s talk about it!

Medical research confirms alcohol can harm a developing baby. Medical research cannot define an amount of alcohol that is safe. The safest choice is not to drink at all. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause damage to the baby’s brain and body, and the effects are lifelong. FASD will impact how a person learns, remembers, communicates, socializes, and manages school, work, and life.

Learn more at www.skprevention.ca/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder/.

It’s often hard to talk about pregnancy and alcohol. Preventing FASD is more complex than just telling people about the effects alcohol has on babies. It is certainly more complex than just telling women not to drink when they are pregnant. What doesn’t help is judgement and blame.

Noreen Agrey, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, says “FASD Prevention is not just a woman’s issue – it’s an issue for all of us”. Alcohol is a big part of Canadians’ social life. Almost 80% of Canadians drank alcohol in the past year. For some women, it is easy to quit drinking during pregnancy; for others, it is not so easy. Women may drink in pregnancy because they don’t know they are pregnant, they may be using alcohol to cope with life challenges, or they are dependent on alcohol. Partners and friends may not want them to stop drinking, and families may be unaware that alcohol can harm an unborn baby.

Here are some compassionate and non-judgemental ways to support expecting moms not to drink:

• Take part in activities without alcohol; stop or reduce your own drinking as a way to be supportive.
• Learn about addiction services and peer supports in your community.
• If you are a healthcare provider, ask about her alcohol use. Find out what she knows about alcohol and pregnancy and have a conversation.

Many Saskatchewan communities are hosting activities to raise awareness about FASD. Activities happening throughout the province include serving Mocktails (non-alcoholic beverages), hosting breakfasts, walks, and more. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute continues to share resources to carry on this important conversation. You may see people in your community wearing an “FASD Let’s Talk About It” t-shirt. Ask them about FASD and how you can participate in Awareness Day activities.

Join us in the conversation on September 9. Let’s work together to prevent FASD.

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is a non-profit organization, founded in 1980. The focus is to reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions in children using primary prevention methods. The Prevention Institute raises awareness by providing training, information, and resources based on current best evidence.