MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON FASD
Published December 3rd, 2007Today (3/12/07) the media campaign that Ross Woodward and his staff from MediaKey has put together for NOFASARD and the Russell Family Fetal Alcohol Disorders Association (RFFADA) has resulted in a huge response from the media. Almost every major paper, radio and television station in the nation has participated in the campaign. The objective of the campaign has been to help with the education of the community in the damage that alcohol use during pregnancy can cause. All of the above organisations state that no alcohol equals no risk. The information given in this campaign has been to alter women to this so that they can make an informed choice about drinking during pregnancy. The group of organisations also called for the government to fund diagnostic and support clinics in major cities in Australia. There does not need to be any more research or literature reviews - they have all been done overseas and we do not need to reinvent the wheel. What we need in Australia are health and allied health professionals trained in the diagnosis and support of people with FASD. We need specialists and experts as referral options for people with the condition. NOFASARD and the RFFADA have broken ground today It has been a watershed moment for FASD in Australia. After reading or watching items on FASD today, more people in Australia, than at any other time in history have heard the acronym FASD - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Thank you to the following:
Sonia Berton; Sue Miers; John Eyre; Ross Woodward; Danielle; Martin; Debbie; Vicki; Lyndall; Seth and Hayley; David, and many more.
Debbie on December 3, 2007
It was a priviledge and honour to spend the time with you all helping get the message out there. To share our stories and help make people aware of the need for supports, labelling and recognition of this heart breaking disorder. I will always remember my time in Melbourne and what we all shared together. Debbie
admin on December 14, 2007
Thanks Debbie - its good to know there are other mothers out there who are prepared to expose themselves so that people will be able to make informed choices about drinking during pregnancy.
Jeff Nelson on January 8, 2009
Hi, I have great concern with your views of the need for research into FASD. All of the research has not been done; in fact, we know very little about the profiles of strengths and limitations that affected individuals have to negotiate their lives with. Contrary to the common view, there are currently no culturally valid or effective cognitive assessment tools that come even close to providing the depth of information that is needed to develop educational programs that will achieve functional independance in these people. I dont doubt the need for media campaigns but we really have to consider the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns that are currenlty being used and costing millions of taxpayer dollars.
Research is still very necessary, lets not forget that…
cheers,
Jeff