SEAFAN staff pose for a portrait at their free barbecue on Sept. 9. News Photo: Anna Smith.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Monday marked International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.
“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disability affecting the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb,” said minister of seniors, community and social services Jason Nixon. “It has a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, caregivers and communities, yet it is preventable. About four per cent of Canadians are living with FASD, including approximately 174,000 in Alberta.”
The day has been recognized in Alberta since 1999, said Myrna Stark, network coordinator for the South East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network. The ninth day of the ninth month was selected for the nine months of a pregnancy.
Here in Medicine Hat, SEAFAN put on a free barbeque to hold space for the day and to help raise awareness of the condition and its cause; both in the name of prevention and in lowering the stigma surrounding people who live with FASD.
SEAFAN offers a variety of programs to educate individuals on the risks of alcohol and pregnancy, support expectant parents who may be struggling with substance use and help those who are diagnosed or suspected of having FASD with different aspects of life.
“If you’re struggling, reach out for help,” said Stark. “It’s not about judgement, it’s not about anything like that. It’s just, if you’re pregnant and you’re struggling, reach out. We can help you, or even if you think you have FASD. That’s what we’re here for.”
The barbeque offered an opportunity to pass out information, as well as provide burgers and mocktails to those who stopped by. Prevention Conversation Facilitator Rod DeVries explained that another part of the event was to continue normalizing the choice of non-alcoholic drinks at events.
Many cases of FASD are caused before the mother is even aware that she may be pregnant, said Stark, so SEAFAN advocates for anyone who is trying to conceive to choose not to drink. She also encourages individuals to visit seafan.ca for information on their partners and various programs the network offers throughout the southeastern corner.
Stark said that she expected to serve 500 burgers to the Medicine Hat public.
“The work of the 12 FASD service networks across Alberta is paramount to raising awareness to improve prevention, diagnosis and support for individuals with the disorder. Thank you to the many dedicated organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to support our province’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Nixon. “I encourage everyone to recognize the unique talents, strengths and abilities of individuals living with the disorder, whose contributions play an important role in our communities.”
