FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2005
For additional information contact:
Amy Morris, Community Relations Coordinator, 616. 632.7110
Kent County Health Department Teams Up with Local Bars and Restaurants for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Event May 9, 2005
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich)—In recognition of Alcohol and Other Drug Related Birth Defect Week, the Kent County Health Department’s Fetal Alcohol Advisory Committee is teaming up with local bars and restaurants to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) on Monday, May 9, 2005.
Kent County restaurants: Flannigan’s, Taps, Sierra Room, Brick House, and Ruby Tuesdays are participating in Monday’s event by creating and donating non-alcoholic “fetus friendly” cocktails for sampling by the women in attendance. Substance abuse counselors and nursing students will be on hand to advise women on their drinking habits and provide information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
“This event is an educational opportunity for expecting and future mothers. We want to remind women to avoid drinking during their pregnancy and provide them with safe and healthy alternatives,” said Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County Health Department.
The Fetal Alcohol Awareness event will take place on Monday, May 9th from 9:00am until Noon at the Kent County Health Department’s Fuller location at 700 Fuller NE and its Wyoming Clinic at 852 – 47th Street SW. This event is free and open to the public.
Women who are pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol during their entire nine month term. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage, physical health problems and mental retardation in unborn children. It is estimated that one in every 100 newborn babies will be born with an alcohol related birth defect. In Kent County, nearly 100 babies are born each year with damage from alcohol exposure. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are 100% preventable.
The Fetal Alcohol Advisory Committee is made up of members from several area agencies including: Arbor Circle, Grand Rapids Public Schools, 17th Judicial Circuit Court Family Division, Grand Rapids Fetal Alcohol Parent Support Group, and the Department of Human Services.
For more information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness please contact Sarah Bobo, Kent County Fetal Alcohol Advisory Committee Coordinator at 616.632.7293.
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KCHD has been in the business of providing health services to the whole of Kent County since 1931. The Health Department is home to nearly 325 employees including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, public health administrators and the Kent County Animal Shelter. The Health Department operates five satellite clinics located in Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Sheldon Complex, and the Westside of Grand Rapids. To learn more about our services visit www.accesskent.com/health
