Strengthening the Forces (STF) is supporting the September 2024 Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Research Network’s (CanFASD) annual campaign. I would like to bring to your attention to this initiative – which has a key message of everyone has a role to play in relation to FASD, which applies to most issues in mental health and substance use. It supports improving the health of people with living experience of FASD, and for women and gender-diverse individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. I would like to encourage you to share the following message with your team. If you have any questions or would like to collaborate more in addressing this issue, please feel free to contact me directly (VERONIC.CLAIR@forces.gc.ca).
Please help to spread the word and use the #STF-FASD in all STF-PSP communication related to FASD.
Important points:
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) month. This year’s theme is Everyone Plays a Part: it is important to go beyond framing FASD as an individual issue, as the impacts of FASD matter to the whole community and the whole community can help prevent FASD and support those with FASD.
When compared with other disabilities, FASD is one of the most common developmental disabilities in Canada despite little public recognition or widespread understanding. More people in Canada have FASD than autism, cerebral palsy, and down syndrome combined. FASD is a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body of people who are prenatally exposed to alcohol. Individuals with FASD will possess unique strengths and areas of challenge.
It has been well documented since as early as the 1990’s that individuals with FASD experience mental health challenges across the lifespan, which can result in co-occurring diagnoses and other related difficulties. Individuals with FASD achieve positive outcomes if their needs and challenges are addressed early on in life and they have access to supports that carry into adulthood.
FASD is preventable with the right services and supports. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to lifelong health issues for the unborn child. There is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption in pregnancy. Did you know – about half of the population, two-thirds of teenagers and more than a quarter of pregnant individuals do not know about FASD?
Educators, family members, friends, and neighbors - everyone plays a part in spreading awareness, supporting alcohol-free pregnancies, and supporting those with FASD!
How can you play a part? Check out the interactive website: Everyone Plays a Part which helps everyone prevent FASD or support those with FASD and provides a helpful toolkit.
Spread awareness and support prevention efforts by using the hashtag #STF-FASD for all your FASD related communications as a simple but effective way to help increase awareness.
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