Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Alaska's Comprehensive FAS Project

FAS 5 Year Project | Highlights | FAS Challenge | Response to FAS | Printable Version

Project Highlights

In developing a comprehensive FASD project in Alaska our approach is community-driven with a focus on systems change and program improvement. We have placed a strong emphasis on the inclusion of families and caregivers as critical partners in our plan, as well as strong multidisciplinary partnerships with those many disciplines impacted by the effects of disabilities resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol.

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  • Over 36 community-based grants have been distributed to local non-profit organizations across Alaska with focus on FASD prevention, trainingand educational services, improved services for individuals affected by FASD, diagnostic services, and treatment services for women at risk for giving birth to a child affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

  • Community-based FASD Diagnostic Teams – 14 developing teams from Kotzebue to Ketchikan. Since March of 1999, when our first team diagnosis was made, approximately 450 diagnoses have been completed.

  • Statewide Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviors (KABB) Survey – beginning in April 2002 over 4,000 KABB surveys were mailed to: pediatricians; OB-GYNs; family practice doctors, public health nurses; educators; substance abuse providers; social workers; and juvenile/adult corrections workers. With over a 70% return rate, survey results will be ready for distribution in January 2004.

  • Public Education/Media Campaign – a statewide multimedia campaign that will include TV, radio, print ads and placement posters premiered September 9, 2002 in conjunction with International FAS Awareness Day. Two campaign themes have been developed:

    • I Have the Power to Prevent FAS
    • Thankfully There are People Who Will Help Her…Are You One of Them?
  • Partnership with the state Department of Education and Early Development (EED) to improved the state’s educational system and how it serves those children and youth affected by disabilities associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol.
  • FAS Summit – annual training event to provide participants from across Alaska an opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. FAS Summit 2004 is scheduled for March 9-10 in Anchorage, with over 600 participants.

Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
State of Alaska,
Department of Health and Social Services
(877) 393-2287 toll-free statewide
(907) 465-3033 Juneau
www.hss.state.ak.us/fas
fas@health.state.ak.us