Hamilton
,
ON
– April 6, 2006 – An Ontario man, walking across the province to raise awareness and funding for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), is stopping in Hamilton Apr. 12 and 13. Tom Wilkinson, from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment & Education Centre Inc, Belleville, ON., and his dog, Shadow, are walking 812 km across Ontario in support of the cause.
Representatives from the City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services and other community agencies will be meeting with Tom, Apr. 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the Dundas Council Chambers, 60 Main Street, Dundas. Tom would like to meet any groups or health care professionals who work or provide services for individuals living with FASD in the city of Hamilton.
FASD is the leading known cause of intellectual disabilities. More babies are born with FASD every year than Down’s Syndrome or Spina Bifida. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy and research shows that alcohol causes more damage to the baby then any other drug.
FASD is a national concern affecting 3,300 babies this year alone. It’s Tom’s hope that, “no more babies will be born with this syndrome.” Please join us in meeting Tom, receiving resources, and meeting other community partners involved with this 100 percent preventable disability.
For more information, please contact Megan Lynch, Public Health Nurse, at 905 546-2424 ext. 7329.
-30-
PSA Contact:
Megan Lynch 905-546-2424 ext. 7329
Public Health Nurse mlynch@hamilton.ca
Family Health Division
Public Health Services