GOVERNMENT MOVES FORWARD WITH FASD EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Funding announced to mark tomorrows FASD Awareness Day

The Government of Saskatchewan fortifies Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness initiatives with nearly $400,000 in funding.

The Ministry of Health is providing the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (SPI) with funding to strengthen two public education initiatives on FASD. The Youth Action for Prevention project will receive $26,325 and the Alcohol Risk Assessment project will receive $99,971 for 2008-2009.

The Youth Action for Prevention project aims to educate Saskatchewan youth about the connection between alcohol use and potential consequences, such as unplanned pregnancy, FASD and violence. The Alcohol Risk Assessment project provides health care professionals with the most effective techniques for educating women of childbearing age on alcohol use and pregnancy.

"Through these education efforts, the SPI is providing people with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent FASD," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This is an issue that everyone in society can work together on - that's why youth and health care professionals are involved in these projects."

"It is fitting we are making this announcement on the eve of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "As a longtime advocate for FASD awareness, I am well aware of the important work done by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan. Today's announcement will ensure they can continue to educate people about the devastating effects of FASD."

"All children deserve the best possible chance at a healthy life," SPI executive director Noreen Agrey said. "We appreciate the Ministry of Health's continued commitment toward increasing awareness about FASD and its impact on individuals, families and communities."

The SPI is a non-profit organization that works to reduce the incidence of disabling conditions in children by focussing on primary prevention initiatives. It is the lead agency for one of the Network Action Teams under the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network. The province of Saskatchewan has been a member of the Canadian Northwest FASD Partnership since it was formed in 1998.

In addition to the SPI projects, the Ministry of Health is also supporting the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan with a contribution of $94,600. Those funds will be used for FASD intervention training workshops to increase awareness and knowledge of FASD amongst service providers and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is allocating $165,000 in 2008-09 for FASD prevention and education. This funding helps support a number of initiatives undertaken by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and Saskatchewan FASD Support Network, including funding for regional FASD committees, the FASD Speakers Bureau which provides training for front-line workers to deliver FASD presentations in northern Saskatchewan, printing of Living with FASD booklets and funding FASD educational workshops for post-secondary students.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Ministry of Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083