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Awareness Day 2008 » Australia
Australia
NIAFASEN provides culturally appropriate programs and workshops that cover FASD,
child growth, brain differences, and the impact of teratogen alcohol on the developing
embryo and fetus. The site is overseen by FAS educator and epidemiologist Lorian
Hayes, MAE, BAPPHSC HONS.
Established in 1998, NOFASARD represents parents, caregivers, and others interested
in or affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
The Russell Family Fetal Alcohol Disorders Association
The Russell Family FAD Association provides support for individuals with an FASD
and birth mothers, and also assists caregivers through diagnosis and multidisciplinary
planning for affected individuals, education, and training. Elizabeth Russell, the
founder, is a birth mother of a child with FAS.
In addition:
- Australia held its 1st National Conference on FASD in June, 2007.
- A Health Monitor Report conducted in 2007 found that the first phase of the
Pregnancy and Alcohol Don’t Mix media campaign was successful in increasing
awareness. Seven percent of respondents knew there was no amount of alcohol has
been declared safe to consumer during pregnancy, while 23% knew specifics of problems
resulting from alcohol exposure. Specifics cited were intellectual, physical genetic
and growth consequences.
- The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research has begun the Alcohol and
Pregnancy Project, which seeks to support and promote Western Australian
(WA) health professionals' practice with their clients and patients around the issue
of alcohol use in pregnancy. The specific aims of the project are to increase the
proportion of WA health professionals who routinely ask pregnant women about alcohol
and routinely provide pregnant women with information about the consequences of
alcohol use during pregnancy. Visit the Institute at www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/alcoholandpregnancy
.
- The
National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia
adopted
new alcohol guidelines for pregnant women in 2008, declaring that 'no drinking is the safest option.