The Coalition of Portage la Prairie and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition are hosting an event this week to help raise awareness.
According to CanFASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who have been exposed to alcohol in the womb. Co-Chair Barry Rud says FASD Awareness Day is coming up this week.
“The 9th day of the 9th month is the day chosen for marketing. This date and month is significant in that it is the 9th (day) of the 9th (month) which refers to the nine months of pregnancy of the human fetus, and that is the premise behind the 9th. of the 9th. “
Rud adds a spectrum of disorders to the diagnosis, which means that no two people are necessarily affected in the same way. Signs and symptoms can include varying degrees of brain damage, physical impairment, and behavioral problems. Rud explains how the local coalition recognizes September 9th.
“We’re teaming up with a group of food trucks who are building a food truck alley. You will be between 10th and 11th Streets (on Saskatchewan Ave), ”he says. “They will be there Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Our group will be there on the 9th with an information booth, but we will also play games of skill and knowledge.”
The Portage la Prairie and area Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition has been around for about 15 years to raise awareness and reach out to those affected. Rud says that FASD affects a lot of people.
“We have an estimate that FASD affects 1.5 million people, or around 4 percent of the population,” says Rud. “The prevalence of FASD is actually higher than that of autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, and Tourette’s syndrome combined. It is therefore just important that we recognize what is possible here. “
