Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The Australian National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders Inc.

(NOFASARD) was established and incorporated in Adelaide in 1998. It is Australia’s peak body representing parents, carers and others interested in or affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). NOFASARD currently receives no operational funding and is staffed totally by volunteers.

The Aims and Objectives of NOFASARD are:

• To promote and resource good practice in the management of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.
• Provide information, advocacy, education and support that will assist carers and those working with and affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders.
• Work towards the prevention of Foetal alcohol syndrome and related disorders.

NOFASARD members lobby State and Federal Agencies, politicians and professional associations about:

• The lack of appropriate education about the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy
• The lack of acknowledgment of this disability by health authorities in Australia
• The lack of appropriate management strategies and support for people with FASD.

Through education and advocacy, NOFASARD members aim to improve the lives of children/adults with FASD. Representatives from the organization present at seminars and workshops for both government and nongovernment agencies throughout Australia

More information at; http://www.nofasard.org.au/

Australian Medicos Support British Plan to Raise Alcohol Prices

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) thinks the UK chief medical officer’s proposal to increase alcohol prices to curb binge drinking is a good idea.

In England, the debate to increase prices per unit of alcohol was sparked after the Scottish Government announced plans to regulate prices.

President of the AMA Dr Rosanna Capolingua says increasing prices means teenagers are unable to afford the drinks.

She says a similar scheme in Australia would benefit the health of the wider population.

Full story at ABC Rural

See also;

• Australian Drinking Guidelines
• British Alcohol Pricing Proposal
• Drinking Risk Tests
• Alcohol Related Brain Injury