Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people prenatally exposed to alcohol. Although every person with FASD has both strengths and challenges, with early and effective supports they are more than likely to succeed in their daily lives.
With a prevalence as high as 4% of Canadians with FASD, September 9thhas been recognized as International FASD Day. Annually celebrated since 1999, this day is devoted to raising awareness and improving prevention efforts, diagnosis, and support for individuals with FASD.
International FASD Day is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year to signify the importance of going alcohol-free during the full 9 months of pregnancy. People across the globe continue their celebrations throughout the month in honour of FASD Awareness Month.
In light of this year’s FASD Month, we have highlighted some of the events that have occurred throughout the month, with a focus on FASD Day!
British Columbia
- The Okanagan FASD Assessment Centre hosted a virtual cards and zoom room with a goal of all participants wearing red to bring awareness to FASD.
Alberta
- The Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network Society hosted a virtual walk on FASD Day.
- The Northwest Peace FASD Network hosted an awareness walk through Muskoseepi on FASD Day.
- The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network hosted a virtual walk on FASD Day.
Manitoba
- The Portage la Prairie and area Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition hosted a Food Truck Alley with an information booth on FASD to help raise awareness.
- The Brandon and Area FASD Coalition created information kits for child care centres and parents with information on FASD.
- The South Parkland FASD Collaborative hosted a virtual event sharing personal stories about an individual’s journey with FASD.
- The Winnipeg FASD Committee hosted a Bingo Activity.
- The Interlake FASD Committee hosted a virtual presentation and question period to help inform and answer questions about FASD.
Ontario
- Contact Brant, a children’s support service in Brantford celebrated FASD Day by wearing red and hosting an information session.
- The District School Board of Niagara held a workshop on FASD Day at the request of Contact Niagara, Family Counselling Centre (FCC), Niagara and Health Nexus Ontario on the topic of FASD in the Classroom.
- A Children’s Treatment Centre in Timmins held an information booth around Gillies Lake Trail on FASD Day to raise awareness.
Yukon
- Several activities including a lunch, information booths and a mocktail event was held in Whitehorse on FASD Day.
Let us know how you celebrated this FASD Month and remember to tag us on twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn!