THUNDER BAY – EVENTS – NorWest Community Health Centres is hosting the International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Training Event “What the Evidence is Telling Us” on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, at the Italian Cultural Centre (132 Algoma St. S.).
Featuring facilitator – Dr. Amy Salmon from the Canada FASD Research Network.
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term that describes all the harmful effects of alcohol on the unborn child. The effects last a lifetime – there is no cure!
Prenatal alcohol exposure is recognized as the leading known cause of disability in Canada. It can cause permanent birth defects, brain damage and is strongly associated with mental health disorders. It is estimated that at least 300,000 people in Canada have FASD.
People with FASD often have difficulties with learning, memory, attention, and problem solving as well as problems with mental health and social interactions. These individuals and their families face ongoing hardships in every aspect of life.
These difficulties can lead to mental illness, criminal behaviour, early school drop-out, poverty, chronic unemployment, sexual assault, homelessness, violence, alcoholism and substance use problems. For these reasons it is everybody’s responsibility to help prevent FASD.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Parkes, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coordinator
NorWest Community Health Centres
525 Simpson St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3J6
Tel: 807 626-8485; E-mail: mparkes@norwestchc.org
Website: www.norwestchc.org
