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ALBANY----Funding to prevent alcohol-related birth defects in New York State has been announced by the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).
Acting Commissioner Shari Noon has announced the $325,000 in funding will enable the integration of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) prevention programs in systems administered by OASAS, the State Department of Health, and the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
FASD is the only birth defect that is completely preventable. It refers to a range of birth defects which can occur if a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, which may include abnormal facial features, growth retardation, nervous system problems and other physical problems. Additionally, children with FASD may have physical disabilities and problems with learning, memory, attention, problem solving, and social/behavioral problems.
In November 2004, OASAS was awarded $145,000 in federal funding to implement a multi-year, multi-faceted approach to preventing FASD in New York State. During the first phase of these efforts, a statewide FASD Prevention Task Force consisting of state agency representatives, OASAS providers, community-based organizations, professional membership groups and FASD experts was established and strategic plans for Phase II were developed.
A major aspect of Phase II will include the integration of FASD prevention programming into existing state systems, and three have been selected as pilot programs. Each site has a different target population that varies by level of risk for alcohol consumption and effective use of contraception. Each intervention site will also conduct FASD educational campaigns for all men and women who access their services.
Addiction Treatment Centers (ATC) - an OASAS service delivery system where the majority of women are at risk due to an alcohol abuse or dependence diagnosis. The Kingsboro ATC in Brooklyn will implement motivational counseling techniques and referrals to family planning clinics upon patient discharge.
Family Planning and Reproductive Health Centers - operated by the NYS Department of Health, where frequency and severity of alcohol consumption is more reflective of the general population. Planned Parenthood of South Central NY in Binghamton will introduce an alcohol screening and brief intervention model appropriate for women in primary health care settings.
Healthy Families NY - a home visiting program administered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services in high risk communities. The Healthy Families NY Buffalo Home Visiting Program will also use a motivational counseling strategy, in a community-based setting, to modify alcohol consumption among high risk women in their program.
During Phase II, the statewide FASD Task Force will continue to examine state-level programs and policies to support FASD prevention in New York, including the feasibility of improving FASD surveillance and data collection.
For more information, please call (518) 457-6206 or visit OASAS at www.oasas.state.ny.us
12-23-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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