September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.
The Government of Canada officially recognized September as FASD Awareness Month in 2020.
FASD Awareness Day was first started by three parents from Canada and the United States. They wanted to bring attention to FASD and the impact prenatal exposure to alcohol has on fetal development. They chose to recognize FASD Day on the ninth day of the ninth month to highlight the importance of going alcohol free for the full nine months of pregnancy. The first day was celebrated on 9/9/99. Since then, FASD Day has become a global movement, with countries from all around the world participating.
Keystone FASD Day Events
Wear RED!
We are encouraging everyone to wear RED shoes or dress in RED to support awareness of FASD. Feel free to share and tag Keystone in your social media. All photos of those wearing RED and sent to our email address at FASDgreybruce@kcyfs.com, will be entered into 3 draws for gift certificates for Sport Chek. This draw will be held Sept 10, 2022 for residents of Grey Bruce.
Colouring Contest
Our FASD Coordinators are running a coloring contest for children throughout the month of September. All families are encouraged to download our running shoe colouring page, have children of all ages colour them red, share and tag Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services on Social Media. Those Grey Bruce families who also email us their coloured page at FASDgreybruce@kcyfs.com will be entered into a draw on Oct 1st for a Family Activity gift basket.
You can download the colouring pages HERE.
Light Up RED for FASD Awareness!
The Keystone building in Owen Sound will be lit up red on Sept 9th. We would love to have other buildings join us! If you do, please let us know so we can share this on our social media pages.
FASD Facts
- FASD impacts approximately 4% of Canadians.
- FASD impacts more people in Canada than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome combined.
- Individuals with FASD are known for having a number of different strengths, including being friendly, likeable, affectionate, determined, hard-working, forgiving, non-judgmental and caring.
- 90% of individuals with FASD also experience mental health issues.
- The social and economic cost of FASD in Canada is estimated to be $1.8 billion annually.
- Individuals with FASD achieve positive outcomes if their needs and challenges are addressed early on in life and they have access to supports that carry into adulthood.
To learn more about our FASD Program or connect with our FASD Team- please visit our webpage here: https://www.keystonebrucegrey.org/specialized-services/fasd-program/
