(January 19, 2023) The Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) supports the CCSA’s new guidance on alcohol use and health released this week.
“The evidence surrounding alcohol harms has increased significantly since the last iteration of Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines in 2011,” says CanFASD Executive Director, Audrey McFarlane. “We are pleased to see that Canada is taking a harm reduction approach to alcohol and making sure Canadians have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, specifically around alcohol use in pregnancy.”
In addition to emphasizing the risk of alcohol-related cancers, the new guidance states that it is safest not to use alcohol when pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. This is in alignment with copious research that has been done on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body of someone who was exposed to alcohol before birth.
“Despite decades of evidence building, information sharing and creation of community- based supports, many people are still unaware of the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy,” says Dr Nancy Poole, Prevention Lead for the CanFASD Research Network. “It is essential that we continue to share the message that no alcohol is safest in pregnancy.”
Alcohol use in pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and can cause harm to the fetus at any time during pregnancy. Since pregnancies can go unrecognized during the first several weeks post-conception, the updated guidance recommends couples who are actively trying to get pregnant go alcohol-free too.
These evidence-based guidelines outline the continuum of risk associated with alcohol use. Each person can use the information to consider what the risk levels mean for them personally and to make informed decisions about how much they will drink. The main message being that when it comes to your health, less alcohol is better.
The CCSA conducted this work in consultation and collaboration with researchers, experts, and stakeholders across Canada, including members of the CanFASD Network. To learn more about the project and the final report, read the updated webpage on alcohol and health.
(November 21, Iqaluit) The Piruqatigiit Resource Centre has been announced as the recipient of the third annual Claudette Bradshaw FASD Innovation Award for their work to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Nunavut and support families impacted by this disorder.
Awarded annually by the Canada FASD Research Network, the FASD Innovation Award celebrates the work of individuals and organizations across Canada who have created innovative solutions to address FASD in their communities. It was named in honour of the late Claudette Bradshaw to recognize her work on FASD, early education, and homelessness.
Piruqatigiit is the creation of Jennifer Noah and Noah Noah. In 2016, they saw the lack of FASD-specific services and supports in Nunavut and started providing free support for community members and education for Government departments. They founded Piruqatigiit as a nonprofit society in 2018. It is the first organization to provide FASD-informed supports and services in Nunavut.
Piruqatigiit is a grassroots organization that serves individuals with suspected and confirmed FASD across Nunavut. Everything they do is centred on Inuit-led and informed knowledge and worldview. All their service provision, knowledge translation, and communications are translated in English and Inuktitut.
“Piruqatigiit” means grow/growing together. Since their inception, the organization has grown significantly. They now operate two physical locations and are opening a new FASD assessment and diagnostic clinic this month. This is the first community based FASD diagnostic clinic in the territory.
Other recipients of the award include the Lakeland Centre for FASD for their 2nd Floor Women’s Recovery Centre and the NB FASD Centre of Excellence for their Dreamcatcher Model of FASD service delivery.
Quotes:
“Piruqatigiit Resource Centre has applied for the Claudette Bradshaw FASD Innovation Award because we are innovation at our core. We strive to support Nunavut communities through innovative programming, resource development and knowledge translation activities that are culturally safe.”
Jennifer Noah, Co-Executive Director, Piruqatigiit Resource Centre
“We have admired the work that Piruqatigiit does to provide support and services that are culturally-safe and community-driven. We are so pleased to announce that they are the recipients of this year’s award. Their effort and dedication to address FASD in Nunavut is unparalleled and their achievements speak for themselves.”
Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, Canada FASD Research Network
“The innovation and dedication shown by Piruqatigiit Resource Centre to address inequities and enormous gaps for Nunavummiut affected by FASD and other neuro-diversities is a tremendous resource to Nunavut.”
Connie Kwon, Iqaluit Music Society
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Bailey
705-331-8529
victoria.bailey@canfasd.ca
(Ottawa, October 19, 2022) The Canada FASD Research Network is thrilled by the introduction of Bill S-253: An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, today in the Senate of Canada by the Honourable Senator Mohamed Iqbal Ravalia. A National FASD Strategy would go a long way in supporting equitable access to prevention, diagnostics, and support services across the provinces and territories.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability in Canada, affecting 4% of the population. With over 1.5M Canadians with FASD today, there are more Canadians with FASD than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome combined. Not solely a healthcare issue, FASD intersects with homelessness, substance use, education, criminal justice, mental health, child welfare, social services, family health and more.
The statistics are staggering. Approximately 90% of people with FASD will experience at least one mental health challenge in their life. Their risk of suicide is 5.5 times higher than the general population and they are 20 times more likely to experience substance use challenges. When unsupported, people with FASD struggle to succeed in school, find a job, and maintain safe housing.
Representatives from the Canada FASD Research Network are in Ottawa this week for meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators and government officials to discuss initiatives to address FASD, as well as the need for a National FASD Strategy.
We would like to thank Senators Mohamed Iqbal-Ravalia and Pat Duncan for all of their leadership on this, and for being steadfast advocates for Canadians with FASD, their families, and their caregivers.
We encourage all Senators and Members of Parliament to show their support for this important piece of legislation.
Quotes:
“For too long, Canadians with FASD, their families and caregivers have been depending on informal and inequitable services and support to ensure they are able to reach their full potential. If passed, this Bill would ensure that their needs and recognized by public policy and programs, in addition to ensuring a coordinated and informed response when seeking to prevent instances of FASD.”
Audrey McFarlane, CanFASD Executive Director
“As a rural family physician for over thirty-five years, I have seen first-hand that there is a need to have a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to addressing the significant disparities in FASD prevention, diagnosis, interventions and supports. These disparities exist across Canada’s provinces and territories. Bill S-253 is one step in the right direction towards delivering equitable, culturally appropriate, and comprehensive care.”
Senator Mohamed Iqbal-Ravalia
“As a life-long Yukoner and a former member of the Yukon Legislature, I am fully familiar with efforts of the advocates of the Yukon FASD community. I am heartened by the introduction of Senator Ravalia’s bill. It is a comprehensive legislative proposal to assist those with, and affected by, FASD. A national framework will work to ensure best practices, national standards and coordination of research and services fundamental to fight FASD, which is so prevalent, yet preventable.”
Senator Pat Duncan
Media contact:
Victoria Bailey
705-331-8529
victoria.bailey@canfasd.ca
(Ottawa, 19 octobre 2022) Le Réseau canadien de recherche sur le TSAF CanFASD est ravi de la présentation du projet de loi S-253, Loi concernant un cadre national sur l’ensemble des troubles causés par l’alcoolisation foetal, aujourd'hui au Sénat du Canada par l'honorable Sénateur Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia. Une stratégie nationale sur le TSAF contribuerait grandement à favoriser un accès équitable aux services de prévention, de diagnostic et de soutien dans l'ensemble des provinces et des territoires.
Le Trouble du spectre de l'alcoolisation fœtale (TSAF) est la principale cause de déficience neurodéveloppementale au Canada, affectant 4 % de la population. Avec plus de 1,5 million de Canadiens atteints du TSAF aujourd'hui, il y a plus de Canadiens atteints du TSAF que d'autisme, de paralysie cérébrale et de syndrome de Down combinés. Pas seulement un problème de santé, le TSAF recoupe l'itinérance, l’usage de substances, l'éducation, la justice pénale, la santé mentale, la protection de l'enfance, les services sociaux, la santé familiale et plus encore.
Les statistiques sont stupéfiantes. Environ 90 % des personnes atteintes du TSAF connaîtront au moins un problème de santé mentale dans leur vie. Leur risque de suicide est 5,5 fois plus élevé que celui de la population générale et ils sont 20 fois plus susceptibles de rencontrer des défis liés à l’usage de substances. Lorsqu'elles ne sont pas soutenues, les personnes atteintes du TSAF ont du mal à réussir à l'école, à trouver un emploi et à conserver un logement sûr.
Des représentants du Réseau canadien de recherche CanFASD sont à Ottawa cette semaine pour des réunions avec des députés, des sénateurs et des représentants du gouvernement afin de discuter d'initiatives pour lutter contre le TSAF, ainsi que de la nécessité d'une stratégie nationale sur le TSAF.
Nous tenons à remercier les sénateurs Mohamed Iqbal-Ravalia et Pat Duncan pour tout leur leadership dans ce dossier et pour avoir été des défenseurs indéfectibles des Canadiens atteints du TSAF, de leurs familles et de leurs aidants naturels.
Nous encourageons tous les sénateurs et députés à manifester leur appui à cet important projet de loi.
Citations : « Depuis trop longtemps, les Canadiens atteints du TSAF, leurs familles et leurs aidants naturels dépendent de services et de soutien informels et inéquitables pour s'assurer qu'ils sont en mesure d'atteindre leur plein potentiel. S'il est adopté, ce projet de loi garantirait que leurs besoins soient reconnus par les politiques et les programmes publics, en plus d'assurer une réponse coordonnée et éclairée dans la prévention du TSAF. »
Audrey McFarlane, Directrice Générale de CanFASD
« Pendant des années, nous avons vu d'autres conditions comme l'autisme recevoir le soutien et le financement dédiés dont ils ont besoin, tandis que l’alcoolémie fœtale a été négligée et sous-assistée, même si l’alcoolémie fœtale soit deux fois plus courant au Canada. Ce projet de loi est une énorme victoire pour les familles à travers le pays et un grand pas en avant pour adresser et prévenir l’alcoolémie fœtale chez nous. »
Alicia Munn, Parent
« En tant que médecin de famille en milieu rural depuis plus de trente-cinq ans, j'ai personnellement constaté qu'il est nécessaire d'avoir une approche coordonnée et interdisciplinaire pour aborder les disparités importantes dans la prévention, le diagnostic, les interventions et les soutiens en matière de TSAF. Ces disparités existent dans les provinces et les territoires du Canada. Le projet de loi S-253 est un pas dans la bonne direction vers la prestation de soins équitables, adaptés à la culture et complets. »
Sénateur Mohamed Iqbal-Ravalia
« En tant que Yukonnaise de longue date et ancienne membre de l'Assemblée législative du Yukon, je connais parfaitement les efforts des défenseurs de la communauté d’appui en matière d’alcoolémie fœtale au Yukon. Je suis encouragée par la présentation du projet de loi du sénateur Ravalia. Il s'agit d'une proposition législative complète pour aider les personnes atteintes et touchées par l'alcoolémie fœtale. Un cadre national permettra de consolider les meilleures pratiques, les normes nationales et la coordination de la recherche et des services fondamentaux pour adresser et prévenir l'alcoolémie fœtale, qui est si répandue, mais pourtant évitable. »
Sénatrice Pat Duncan
Personne-ressource pour les medias :
Victoria Bailey
705-331-8529
victoria.bailey@canfasd.ca