The provincial government has announced more funding for Manitoba’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) annual strategy, an announcement that comes on FASD awareness day. Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said the province will put in an additional $946,000 per year.
“Raising awareness about FASD helps Manitobans support people impacted by FASD and substance use, and their families,” said Fontaine. “When we centre their voices, increase access to the supports they need, and celebrate their strengths and abilities, we help create a path to a better future.”
In a release, the province said they had created renewed five-year FASD strategy last fall “to co-ordinate government departments and community partners working together to support people impacted by FASD and alcohol use during pregnancy”. This will increase spending by the Department of Families on FASD initiatives to $5.6 million per year.
The new funding will support initiatives including expanding the Manitoba Key Worker Program to more of rural Manitoba by establishing a new program site in Thompson, increasing capacity in Selkirk, reducing wait times, expanding eligibility to include youth ages 15 to 17, increasing funds to the Dauphin Friendship Centre, and expanding the Manitoba FASD Coalition.
Fontaine added the new funding will directly support an additional 138 individuals or families. In honour of FASD Awareness Day, the Manitoba Legislature will be lit in red tonight.
