September 9, 2010 - Today, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Planning Committee held a mini pow-wow to create awareness of International FASD Awareness Day in Marina Park. The event takes place around the world every year on the ninth day of the ninth month to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.

“While progress has been made in understanding FASD, there is no cure. Prevention is key. Educating the public, especially prospective parents, is necessary to decrease the incidence of this preventable condition,“ says Kelly Hicks, FASD Community Support Worker with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre.

In 2008, more than 10% of Canadian women report drinking during pregnancy, while more than 1% report drinking more than once a week. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the leading cause of developmental disability among Canadian children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), is an umbrella term used to describe the various disabilities associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol.

For more information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), contact the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre at 345-5840. 

-END-