Minister Neudorf shares statement for International FASD Awareness Day

Today is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, set on the ninth day of the ninth month to represent the nine months of pregnancy.

As part of FASD Awareness Day, the Alberta Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Nathan Neudorf, has issued a statement:

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability affecting individuals who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. FASD has a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, caregivers and communities, yet prenatal alcohol exposure is preventable. About four per cent of Canadians are living with FASD, including approximately 200,000 Albertans.

“Since 1999, International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day has been recognized on the ninth day of the ninth month, representing the nine months of pregnancy.

“Supporting healthy pregnancies is a shared responsibility. Partners, families, friends and communities all have a role to play. There is no safe time, type or amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Through open conversations, education and greater awareness, we can help prevent FASD while building communities that better understand and support people living with it.

“Alberta is a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and support of FASD, both in Canada and internationally. Central to this work are Alberta’s 12 FASD Service Networks, which help raise awareness, improve prevention and diagnosis, and connect Albertans with the supports they need.   

“I want to thank the dedicated organizations, professionals, families and individuals who work every day to support Albertans with FASD. Your work help builds communities where people with FASD are understood, their strength are talents are recognized, and they have the opportunity to thrive.

“On International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, I encourage all Albertans to learn more about FASD, help raise awareness and recognize the valuable contributions people with FASD make in communities across our province.”

According to a study conducted by the University of Calgary, when compared to the rest of the province, males living in both “Northwest/North Central Alberta and the lowest socioeconomic areas were more likely to receive an FASD diagnosis than the rest of the population.”