Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:

“September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and I want to thank everyone who is helping increase awareness and understanding about this challenging condition and the supports available to those living with FASD.

“FASD results from alcohol use during pregnancy and is a lifelong disability that can cause a variety of challenges to physical health, learning, attention, communication and social skills. More than 1.5 million Canadians are living with FASD, but it is often misunderstood or unknown. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. It is important that we support mothers to have healthy pregnancies and discuss alcohol risks with friends and family. 

“Living with FASD can pose significant challenges but most people with FASD live full and meaningful lives if given the opportunity. As Minister of Health and Social Services, I am committed to creating more opportunities for Yukoners living with FASD to live happy, healthy and successful lives.    

“The Yukon FASD Action Plan guides the Yukon’s way forward in building a system that better supports families and caregivers, promotes awareness and prevention, enhances assessment and diagnosis and advances research and evaluation. The plan includes commitments to expand maternal and pre-natal community-delivered supports and addresses Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Actions. Specifically, the call to develop preventive programs that can be delivered in a culturally appropriate manner. 

“Thank you to the FASD Interagency Advisory Committee and all involved health partners who were instrumental in creating this action plan. 

“I encourage Yukoners to read the Yukon FASD Action Plan and learn more about our work to prevent FASD and support those living with the condition. We will continue to work alongside Yukon First Nations and community health partners to prevent FASD and ensure the Yukon’s FASD initiatives are appropriate, accessible and meet the needs of all Yukoners.”