REGINA – The Saskatchewan government is stepping up support for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Monday marks FASD Awareness Day and according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, an estimated one of every 100 children born each year has FASD.
In Saskatchewan, approximately 150 babies were born with FASD in 2012.
“The harm that alcohol can cause to a developing fetus will last for a lifetime,” said Social Services Minister June Draude.
“Raising awareness about the realities of FASD remains a commitment for our government.”
To that end, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is giving $150,000 to two agencies that promoted awareness and prevention of FASD.
The FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan is receiving $85,000 to reach rural and remote students to deliver workshops and FASD resource packages.
The remaining $65,000 will go to the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute to support the “No thanks I’m pregnant” education and awareness campaign.
The province committed $1.8 million in the 2013 budget to support individuals and families affected by FASD along with awareness and prevention programs.
FASD is a life-long disability caused by women drinking alcohol while pregnant.
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