Kugluktuk to pilot FAS project

Kugluktuk will be the site of Nunavut’s first project to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which affects children whose mothers drink excessively during pregnancy.

People with FASD may suffer from memory problems, impulsiveness and difficulties in processing information, as well as physical problems such as facial defects.

A report done by the RCMP in 2001 suggests 30 per cent of Nunavut’s expectant mothers may drink significant amounts of alcohol while pregnant, and 85 per cent of their children will show symptoms of FAS. It says 65 per cent of prison inmates may suffer from FAS.

In Kugluktuk, community teams will act as mentors, speaking about FASD and warning about the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

Health Minister Levinia Brown said her department would like to expand the program into three other communities. In the meantime, Nunavut-wide education programs will be rolled out.

Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch is funding the project.