Coral Harbour (Oct 04/06) - Close to 40 people took part in a special day of activities to increase awareness on the problem of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Coral Harbour earlier this month.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, a leading cause of preventable birth defects.

Spina bifida, Down syndrome and FASD are the top three known causes of developmental delay in Canadian children. There is no cure for FASD and the damage is irreversible.

About 20 local service providers attended a lunch-and-learn session at the Coral health centre.

Nurse-in-charge Judy Burns said the providers watched a video, went through available resources and collaborated with each other on the battle against FASD.

Later in the day, a series of learning sessions, games and events, such as lighting a candle of promise, were held for prenatal people. Burns said Coral may be a dry community, but that doesn't mean FASD doesn't exist there.

"FASD presents a problem in every community," said Burns.

"None of us are naive. We know alcohol is always available, whether you live in a dry community or not.

"We have FASD here and one case is one too many.

"Our goal is to reach the point where we don't have any cases in Coral."

Burns said public awareness and education are the keys to defeating FASD once and for all. She said what's most infuriating about FASD, is that it's 100 per cent preventable.

"There are little pins put out by the FASD Association for women to wear, so they can let the community know they've taken a stand and are not going to drink while they're pregnant.

"Women who take part in the program have a support person who is always available to help them over any rough spots, and to offer encouragement and support throughout their pregnancy.

"It's a positive message that says woman don't have to wage the battle alone.

"A pregnant woman has to make the decision not to drink, but this is an initiative the entire community can be involved with."