Latest News for Jan/Feb 2019

The Center is offering a course through the Opportunities for Lifelong Education (OLE!) program  on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Impacts and Treatment, starting this Friday, January 11th at the Beatrice McDonald Hall at UAA. There are four sessions, with different topics and presenters:


Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder-What the heck is that, our moms used to drink during pregnancy!?!
Friday, January 11th at 1:00-2:15pm at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall
Presenter: Marilyn Pierce-Bulger, APRN, owner/medical manager, FASDx Services LLC and founder, Alaska Center for FASD
American women are now drinking at rates comparable to men (in part due to targeted marketing from the alcohol industry using tactics similar to those of the tobacco industry).  Combine this fact with ongoing high unintended pregnancy rates (near 50%) and health care provider ignorance, we have the perfect storm for rising rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Current estimates are that up to 1 in 20 U.S children may be impacted by this lifelong disability which presents as attention, learning, behavior, and social challenges. Come learn more about a disability that is more common than autism.
 

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in the Context of the Opioid Epidemic
Friday, January 18th at 1:00-2:15pm at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall
Presenters: Dr. Evelyn Rider-Alaska Neonatology Associates, & Marilyn Pierce-Bulger, APRN
The opioid epidemic is getting a lot of attention (and funding) today but we know that women who are using substances are also using alcohol. This session will explore the facts and ‘system’ issues that can interfere with early recognition and intervention for children who may have FASD.


Teens-What It’s Like Growing up with an FASD 
Friday, January 25th at 1:00-2:15pm at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall
Presenters:  Angela Stewart and her mom, Traci Dearing, from the Alaska Center for FASD Teen Support Group
This session will be an interactive discussion with teens & their families regarding how FASD impacts their daily lives at home, in school, and the community
 
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Grandparents Raising Grandkids…Stories and Strategies 
Friday, February 1st at 1:00-2:15pm at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall
Presenters:  Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren as a result of their childrens’ substance/alcohol addictions and Mariah Seater, Coordinator for Volunteers of America Grandfamilies Support Group
There is a growing phenomenon of grandparents being called on to raise another generation of children.  Come listen/learn more about this from those who are living it and explore community strategies that can support them. 

To become a member of OLE and register for this course, visit their website here. ​