The City of Prince George takes a pregnant pause today to raise awareness about a disorder affecting approximately nine in every 1,000 infants.
The municipality is just one of many across the province taking part in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day, marked by a moment of silence at city hall this morning to remember that during pregnancy, a woman should abstain from alcohol.
FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These can include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities.
"Prevention and support is the key to decreasing FASD and raising awareness is part of the preventative measure," said Joan Brett, program co-ordinator for the program Structured for Success.
Throughout the day the Structured for Success program will hold public events in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and local organizations such as AiMHi, the Child Development Centre, School District 57 and the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.
In the morning, Mayor Dan Rogers will read a proclamation for the day at city hall and in the afternoon a provincial court judge will speak at the South Fort George Family Resource Centre about the courts and FASD. There will also be family activities such as a watermelon relay, cake walk, display booths and entertainment.
"Education and awareness are often the first steps on the path to prevention. Events like this help shed light on the issue and create a supportive environment for families affected by FASD," said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell, in a press release.
The day has been highlighted for the past week with Mr. P.G. donning a dress advertising Sept. 9 as FASD Day.
