Agencies that promote awareness and prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the province are receiving $150,000 in funding from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

"FASD has far reaching impacts in Saskatchewan communities," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Tim McMillan said. "This funding will help raise awareness about the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy, while also providing support to families that are coping with the realities of FASD."

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (SPI) will receive $82,000 from SLGA. The funding will be used to continue development of a FASD public awareness campaign. As well, the funding will support ongoing SPI initiatives such as regional FASD support committees, the development of an FASD Training and Education Project and the FASD Speakers' Bureau, which focuses on increasing FASD education among front-line workers, caregivers and professionals.

SLGA is also providing $68,000 to the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan. The funding will support the development and distribution of an FASD newsletter as well as other resource material focused on parenting and mental health issues related to FASD. The funding will also be used to continue a program aimed at raising FASD awareness among post-secondary students who are studying for careers where they may come into frequent contact with individuals impacted by FASD.

FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan Executive Director Jessica Kaban said the continued financial support from government will help educate young people about the challenges of FASD.

"It's important that people working in areas such as education, social work, nursing, justice and corrections have an understanding of the issues associated with FASD," Kaban said. "The funding from SLGA will enable us to create awareness with young people as they enter those fields while also helping women to make informed choices about avoiding alcohol during pregnancy."