SASKATCHEWAN MARKS FASD AWARENESS DAY

Social Services Minister June Draude is marking International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day today by encouraging participation in local and provincial efforts to prevent the leading cause of intellectual disabilities in Canada.

FASD is a life-long disability that can result from mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Various events were organized by FASD community networks in Saskatchewan this week to raise awareness.

"The provincial government has increased our support for efforts to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and to support and assess individuals with FASD," Draude said. "We provided an additional $600,000 this fiscal year for initiatives that encourage prevention and offer individuals and their families services such as diagnosis, assessment, intervention, treatment and community supports."

Minister Draude is taking part in the 10th Annual FASD Awareness Walk today in Saskatoon.

At yesterday's opening in Saskatoon of a youth exhibit about the risks of alcohol use, Draude congratulated participants in the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute's Youth Action for Prevention project on their work. The Prevention Institute launched the project's photo and text exhibit, Hammered: A Sober Look at Youth and Alcohol, at the Remai Arts Centre.

Alcohol consumption by pregnant women can cause physical and neurological damage that leads to behavioural and learning difficulties with life-long effects on a child and their family. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a pregnant woman can drink.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083