The Prevention Conversation uses common messaging to reduce stigma and increase awareness about the potential challenges of prenatal alcohol exposure. We are pleased to offer education and awareness opportunities as well as resources to individuals and groups in a variety of delivery methods both in person and online. We offer public education days, as well as private presentations for organizations or interest groups, as well as one-on-one sessions for individuals wanting to learn more. We participate in community development opportunities across central Alberta and welcome the opportunity to set up our resource table at your community event or activity.
FASD can be prevented, but FASD prevention is complex and involves so much more than just raising awareness of the risks of drinking during pregnancy.
There are four levels of FASD prevention:
- The first level of prevention is about raising public awareness through campaigns and other broad strategies. Public policy initiatives and health promotion activities supportive of girls’ and women’s health are also key to this level of prevention.
- The second level of prevention is about girls and women of childbearing years having the opportunity for safe discussion about reproductive health, contraception, pregnancy, alcohol use, and related issues, with their support networks and healthcare providers.
- The third level of prevention focuses on the provision of supportive services that are specialized, culturally safe and accessible for women with alcohol problems, histories of violence and trauma and related health concerns. These trauma-informed, harm-reduction-oriented recovery services are needed not only for pregnant women, but also before pregnancy and throughout the childbearing years.
- The fourth level of prevention is about supporting new mothers to maintain healthy changes they have been able to make during pregnancy. Postpartum support for mothers who were not able to make significant changes in their substance use during pregnancy is also vital to assist them to continue to improve their health and social support, as well as the health of their children.
Please contact us for more information or to book an education session!