CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Prairie Mountain services geared toward FASD

The Brandon Sun - 9/10/2021

Today is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) day.

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Every person with FASD has unique strengths and challenges, and needs special supports to help them succeed in their daily lives.

Prairie Mountain Health offers services geared toward FASD.

FASD Diagnostic Co-ordinator Services support families throughout the assessment process and facilitate local clinics. They provide education to families, professionals, and communities.

The co-ordinators work in partnership with the Manitoba FASD Centre in Winnipeg.

They are: Twyla Gilroy, at 625 3rd St. SW in Dauphin (call 204-622-6223 or fax 204-629-3406) and Erin McDougall, at The Town Centre, Unit B9, 800 Rosser Ave. in Brandon (call 204-578-2487 or fax 204-571-2951).

InSight is a service that provides intensive case management, support and advocacy for women who are pregnant and use substances. Using a harm-reduction approach, women are supported to set and attain goals, make connections within their communities, and create healthier environments for themselves and their children. This prevention program is based at the Dauphin Friendship Centre. Call 204-638-5707 for more information.

The Rural Connections Program serves Brandon and surrounding areas, provides individualized services for transitional youth and adults who are impacted by FASD and are ineligible for other government support programs. This program supports youth who are 17 and over and adults living with FASD to function within the community, aiming to increase their quality of life with the aid of environmental adaptations. Call 204-772-1591 for more information.

Stepping Out on Saturday provides respite services for parents and caregivers. Children aged 5-12 who are in care or who are involved with child welfare system living with a diagnosis of FASD; or suspected FASD with confirmation of prenatal exposure are eligible to participate. The program is structured to each child’s needs and allows for them to socialize in supportive environments. It is held one Saturday a month. Call 204-571-0670 to register your child.

Various coalitions across Manitoba have organized a variety of activities for that day as well.

The Brandon and Area FASD Coalition is recognizing FASD Awareness Day by creating information kits for child care centres and parents. The bags will contain information on the Manitoba FASD Coalition website along with other items.

The South Parkland FASD Collaborative is recognizing the day by hosting a free virtual event Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. Elder Bev Harvey (Bright Star Medicine Cloud Woman) will share her personal story of tragedy and triumph, and the healing she has experienced to get to today. Join the session here: us02web.zoom.us/j/84968721115?pwd=ZXhZNGFPTGxXZ2NySkVvbm1JNmNpQT09#success

The Winnipeg FASD Coalition welcomes participants to complete the Bingo card activities (youth or adult) by Sept. 30 and enter your name for some amazing prizes.

The Interlake FASD Committee is hosting a virtual presentation and question period today at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Visit the Manitoba FASD Coalition Facebook page to watch for more information on how to join.

For material about FASD, visit canfasd.ca. For specific information on the Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines (2016) visit canfasd.ca/guidelines.

For Manitoba resources and services, visit gov.mb.ca/fs/fasd/ and Manitoba FASD Coalition

The Manitoba FASD Network is a province-wide integrated diagnostic and short-term followup service with the goal of providing FASD assessment, support and education closer to home.