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(EverythingGP / File Photo)
By Abby Zieverink
FASD AWARENESS DAY

Walk at Muskoseepi Park set to honour FASD awareness day

Sep 5, 2021 | 5:00 AM

The 2nd annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness walk in Grande Prairie will take place on September 9.

Northwest Peace FASD Society Executive Director Gwen Vekved says the walk is on International FASD awareness day, which takes place annually around the world, on the ninth day of the ninth month, in efforts to help mark the nine months of pregnancy.

“(This makes) sure people do abstain from alcohol and drug use for the whole nine-month period,” explained Vekved. “This is a healthy way to honour the role of the mother and to remember to abstain from alcohol during the entire term of pregnancy.”

Vekved says the walk will be taking place at Muskoseepi Park and is intended to create awareness and support those affected by FASD.

“There’s three different routes that have been planned so you can walk along each one of these routes and see placards that have been written more about FASD.”

The placards, as Vekved described, will have information about FASD and will be along each of the three routes.

She says on the day people can choose to walk on the routes at Muskoseepi Park or even walk from their home.

Vekved hopes the event can also support couples and pregnant women through healthy pregnancies and educate people about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.

She adds the goal each year is to share more about fetal alcohol across the country.

“We want to share more about what fetal alcohol is, how those can help out with fetal alcohol, and just to ensure people know more about why this event is important,” said Vekved.

“We’re thinking about healthy pregnancies and supporting couples and women with their pregnancies, trying to ensure that people know there’s no safe time or safe amount of alcohol to drink when pregnant or trying to get pregnant.”

Vekved says the Northwest Peace FASD Society works to provide supports and services for those affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

“So, we have general supports for families, and we also provide the diagnostic and assessment piece to determine if people do have fetal alcohol.”

The free community event will take place at Muskoseepi Park on September 9th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

A booth will also be set up with FASD resources at the pavilion in the park.

by Abby Zieverink