Lakeland raises awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Image credit: Lakeland Centre for FASD

The Lakeland Centre for FASD had a busy Monday with events and activities in several local communities.

September 9th marked International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness day and Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul, Kikino Metis Settlement, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, and Frog Lake Cree Nation all took part with pancakes breakfasts, free barbeques, awareness campaigns and mocktail challenges.

Lisa Murphy, executive director, Lakeland Centre for FASD explained the date’s significance.

“It was chosen as the ninth day of the ninth month to bring awareness to nine months of alcohol-free pregnancies,” she said.

“The point of the day is to bring awareness about FASD and if you want to know more come and ask us. And support women to have alcohol free pregnancies.”

Four per cent of Canadians have FASD the latest research has shown, said Murphy, and it remains the most common preventable cause of developmental disability in Canada.

The condition is pernicious because alcohol has a wide variety of effects on the brain during development.

“It’s a pretty significant disability and we’re here to support those who have been prenatally exposed,” said Murphy.

FASD activities were held in Smoky Lake in August and at the Portage College orientation in Lac La Biche.

Tomorrow, there is a free barbeque in Cold Lake First Nation at the Band Office and an awareness presentation on Thursday at the Youth and Senior Centre in Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement.

Mocktail Challenge in Cold Lake