Town of Vermilion declares September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness day

The Town of Vermilion has declared September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness day. This coincides with the international awareness day.

Caroline McAuley is the Mayor of the Town of Vermilion.

“Each individual with FASD is unique; despite facing many challenges in their day-to-day lives, people with FASD have many strengths as well,” Mayor McAuley wrote in the proclamation. “Individuals with FASD tend to be hard working, determined, caring and love to help others. In particular, they do a fantastic job of connecting with children as well as the elderly.”

Catholic Social Services and other community agencies mentor, educate, network, and share resources to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities impacted by FASD in the Town of Vermilion and County of Vermilion River, Mayor McAuley added.

“Awareness Day is devoted to raising awareness of the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure to improve prevention of FASD,” Mayor McAuley said. “As well as showing support for individuals living with FASD, resolved I, Caroline McAuley, Mayor of Vermilion, do hereby designate Sept 9, 2021 as Fetal Alcohol Disorder Awareness Day in the Town of Vermilion.”

FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD often experience some degree of challenges with daily living; and may need support with planning, organizing, learning, memory, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Some individuals may have physical health problems and mental health concerns that may result in addictions issues and/or trouble with the law.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca