NEWS RELEASE
July 16, 1999

Michigan Department of Community Health Announces $60,000 in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Project Grants

 

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced funding for eight local Fetal Alcohol Syndrome community outreach education projects. Each community agency will receive $7,500 to fund these important projects.

"Fetal alcohol syndrome and the many costs associated with it are fully preventable if women refrain from drinking alcohol when they are pregnant," said Haveman. "Once the central nervous system of the fetus is adversely affected by alcohol, the baby will be affected, sometimes severely, for life. These grants will focus on preventing the occurrence of fetal alcohol syndrome and increasing awareness of this important issue."

"In Michigan an estimated 130 to 400 children are born with fetal alcohol syndrome each year," said Haveman. "Early diagnosis is crucial in order to get these children the mental health and medical attention they desperately need."

According to a study by the University of Washington, the average IQ of those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was 79. Common identifying features include small head circumference, short stature, low weight for age, facial anomalies, and behavioral problems or disabilities. Secondary disabilities for fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect include mental health problems, disrupted school experience, trouble with the law, inappropriate sexual behavior and alcohol and drug problems.

The lifetime cost for an individual with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is estimated at $1.4 million. This includes costs for medical, mental health, special education, neonatal intensive care, foster care and juvenile justice/corrections, rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment and dependent living.

Each community agency will establish a local Fetal Alcohol Syndrome advisory committee to plan and implement various Fetal Alcohol Syndrome related community services and coordinate any services that are already in place. They will also conduct activities to promote awareness and prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, including the distribution of materials and provision of educational trainings.

Some agencies will also conduct or facilitate outreach, pre-screening and screening; facilitate diagnosed children and their families in receiving community support services and; convene and conduct ongoing family support groups.

The community agencies chosen to receive Fetal Alcohol Project grants are: