Today marks World FASD Awareness Day; a day to take a
pause and reflect on how we are supporting alcohol-free
pregnancies as well as those living with Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Aotearoa New
Zealand.
“Everyone across the motu is invited to share
in a moment of reflection at 9:09am today. The ninth minute
of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month
symbolises the nine months of pregnancy in which it takes to
grow a baby and support alcohol-free pregnancies. It is also
a dedicated time to reflect on those living with FASD, their
whānau and loved ones.” says Dr Nicki Jackson, Executive
Director of Alcohol Healthwatch.
In Aotearoa New
Zealand, it is estimated that half of all pregnancies are
exposed to alcohol. Across the nine months, there is no safe
time nor amount of alcohol exposure that is considered safe
for the developing foetus. FASD is the diagnostic term used
to describe the impacts on the brain and body of individuals
who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Each year, it
is estimated that at least 1,800 babies are born with FASD
in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Leigh Henderson, Chair of
the FASD Care Action Network (FASD-CAN) says “In the past
year we have seen discussions around FASD grow. In
particular, Paula Penfold’s documentary,
Disordered, highlighted the daily struggles for those living
with FASD and their whānau, and the difficulties faced when
accessing appropriate support services from the health and
welfare sector. The documentary also highlighted the
over-representation of those living with FASD in the justice
system. These secondary harms associated with FASD are
unjust and preventable. The families we work with deserve
more help.”
Alcohol Healthwatch, in partnership with
FASD-CAN, have launched a new website dedicated to raising
awareness of FASD Awareness month and ensuring it becomes a
fixture in the Aotearoa awareness calendar. FASDmonth.nz shares
resources, information about events and links for further
support.
FASD-CAN and Alcohol Healthwatch will mark
FASD Awareness Day this Friday September 9 with a webinar
“FASD in Aotearoa: Where we are now”. We’ll mark the year
that was and turn the spotlight on the year to come.
Speakers include Tania Henderson (FASD-CAN Board member and
educator), Anita Gibbs (University of Otago), Harsh Vardhan
(Te Whatu Ora), Leigh Henderson (FASD-CAN), Janell
Dymus-Kurei (Hāpai te Hauora), Nicki Jackson (Alcohol
Healthwatch) and journalist Paula Penfold (Stuff).
To
enable New Zealanders living with FASD to grow and achieve,
urgent attention needs to be given to increase access to
diagnostic services and ensuring FASD, as a standalone
disability, is eligible for disability support services. In
addition, urgent action is required to address the wider
drinking environment. The past year has seen these calls
grow louder and
louder.
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