Fight fetal alcohol syndrome

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The provincial government is joining forces with Aboriginal communities to help prevent fetal alcohol syndrome.

"It is the leading cause of metal retardation and is the only one totally preventable," said Cathy Ryan, community health nurse at Ocean Man First Nation.

"We recommend a pregnant woman not to drink at all. They don't know if it takes consistent drinking for the child to develop FAS, or if it's just one drink at the wrong time," said Ryan. "Whatever part of the baby was developing, stops developing."

She says FAS sufferers often have trouble understanding cause and effect, which consequently, can lead to criminal behavior.

"They sometimes don't understand the fact that, for example, if you hit someone, it will hurt. Because of this, when they reach teenagers, they get in trouble. There's an astonishing amount of people in prison who have FAS."

Ryan submitted a proposal to the government asking for assistance in working to create FAS awareness. As a result, Ocean Man First Nation has one of 20 community-based organizations in Saskatchewan that will receive funding, through grants totalling $89,850, for the prevention and management of FAS.

The $3,800 received, will go towards a two-day conference being planned to create awareness, primarily amongst teenagers, said Ryan.

"The main focus has to be on prevention," explained Elaine McArther, project co-ordinator. "We have speakers attending the conference that will address healthy relationships, leadership building and suicide education. There will also be a 25-year-old AIDS victim telling his story."

McArther says FAS sufferers reach a certain point where academic learning becomes extremely difficult, and too often, hope is lost.

"From what I've seen, many stop learning at Grade 9. After that, there are problems and the students are put into modified programs. Many get frustrated, quit school and move on to manual labor jobs. They often give up," she said.

Health Minister Clay Serby says the government is committed to investing in the health of the province's children, and is pleased to see members of the community taking such an active role.

"These grants will give groups and communities financial resources to begin or enhance FAS activities close to home, where they will have the greatest impact," he said.

The one-time grants, some reaching the maximum $7,500, were awarded to organizations best meeting the criteria established by the provincial FAS co-ordinating committee, which is made up of government representatives, the community, health providers and parents of children with FAS.

Committee Chairperson Ann Schulman says community involvement is a vital component to FAS prevention, and so far, people are eager to become involved.

"Many excellent proposals were received from a wide range of community-based organizations throughout Saskatchewan. Communities are ready to provide education and awareness programming to their community members," she said.