The FASD Coalition of Ottawa held their FASD Awareness Day event at St Mary’s Home on September 9, 2013. The goals of the morning activities were to inform the pregnant and parenting youth and staff affiliated with St Mary’s about alcohol and pregnancy and FASD and to engage the youth in an educational and fun activity.
Following a delicious breakfast, Dr de la Ronde provided the group of about 50 people in attendance with a clear and informative presentation on alcohol and pregnancy and FASD. Dr de la Ronde is a MD at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. She has many years of experience providing holistic care for women and their families facing such issues as homelessness, addiction and HIV/AIDS. During the second half of the morning three staff met with 7 pregnant women who had been at the earlier presentation to facilitate a discussion about what they had heard and to come up with a message to use on a poster. After that their message was painted onto their bellies and the photo shoot took place.
The poster that we have created is thanks to the efforts of many individuals. A very special thanks to the young women who participated in the whole process from start to finish!!
Click here to display the poster.
Click here for the French version.