It is the single largest contributor to learning disabilities for Saskatchewan children and it is 100% preventable.
Today, a flag raising was held in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature to get people thinking about the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan and a group of community clinic workers took part in the event.
Duncan says the impact of the disorder has far reaching effects on a number of government ministries.
“This is an issue that doesn’t just impact or touch the health care system — it obviously impacts social services and education and a number of different ministries. So, I’m just very pleased that we had so many people come out today and recognize this and raise awareness of the challenges of FASD.”
Cheryn Charron is a community clinic worker who deals directly with people affected by the brain disorder. She says awareness is the key to prevention.
“I don’t know that people are accepting enough that it’s 100% preventable — and I think there’s a lot of misunderstandings and stigmas attached to this disability which prevents us from moving forward some days.”
Charron says about 55,000 people in Saskatchewan are affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. She says while alcohol abuse is a problem, even moderate to light drinking can have an impact on an unborn child’s brain development.