NEAFAN is the regional hub for FASD awareness, education,
collaboration, and support throughout Northeast Alberta.
Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community.
Together, we can build stronger, more FASD-informed communities.
Join us this September as communities across Northeast Alberta come together to recognize FASD Awareness Month. Discover community events, access FASD resources, and see how everyone can play a part in building understanding, strengthening connections, and supporting individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Events:
September 9th from 10 am to 3 pm – Bar-B-Que at Kiyām Community Park Located in downtown Fort McMurray at the corner of Franklin Ave. and Main St.
September 9th – 10th – Evening – Lighting up Red of Saline Creek Pedestrian Bridge and the Mac Island Canopy to support FASD Awareness and Prevention.
Community BBQ
Join us for our annual Community BBQ as we recognize FASD Awareness Month across Northeast Alberta. Everyone is welcome to stop by, enjoy a free barbecue lunch, meet local organizations, and learn about the programs and supports available through NEAFAN and our community partners.
The BBQ is a chance to connect with service providers, caregivers, families, educators, and community members in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether you’re looking for information, resources, or simply want to show your support, we’d love to see you there.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kiyām Community Park
Corner of Franklin Avenue & Main Street, Fort McMurray
Enjoy:
- Free BBQ lunch
- Community information booths
- Family-friendly activities
- Resources and giveaways
- Opportunities to connect with local organizations
Community Events
2026 FASD Awareness Events
September 8
Janvier – Multiplex
September 9
Fort McMurray – Community BBQ, Kiyām Community Park
September 10
Anzac – Recreation Centre
September 14
Fort McKay – Family Support Building
September 15
Fort McMurray First Nation 468 – Health Centre
September 16
Fort Chipewyan – Charlie Voyageur Centre
September 24
Conklin – Multiplex
Bridge Lighting
September 9–10
The Saline Creek Bridge will be illuminated red in recognition of FASD Awareness Month and to encourage awareness and community conv
Explore NEAFAN
FASD-related initiatives across Alberta help build awareness, promote prevention, increase access to FASD assessment and diagnosis clinics, conduct new research, and provide support for individuals living with FASD and their caregivers.
Awareness & Prevention
Prevention strategies in Alberta focus on supporting women who have given birth to one or more children affected by FASD, and those who are known to be pregnant and are consuming alcohol or other harmful substances. Services may include mentoring, substance abuse treatment, counselling, specialized prenatal and postpartum support.
Prevention strategies also include supporting women of childbearing age who use substances and who are not pregnant. Activities include outreach, screening, referral and brief intervention activities.
Prevention support services are specialized, culturally safe and accessible for women who use substances. Trauma-informed and harm-reduction oriented services support women to reduce or stop alcohol and/or drug use during pregnancy, and support healthy pregnancies.
Assessment & Diagnosis
Across the province, there are a number of assessment and diagnostic clinics available for individuals who are seeking a diagnosis of FASD.
Assessment and diagnostic services may or may not lead to a confirmed diagnosis under the spectrum of FASD. The process of diagnosis for FASD includes assessment in areas such as cognitive and executive functioning, as well as attention and memory. The diagnostic process also includes a collection of medical and social history for the individual.
Diagnostic services are best completed by a multi-disciplinary team whose members include a physician/paediatrician, psychologist and other professionals, depending on the age of the individual.
Supports & Services
Supports for those with FASD in Alberta are programs and services available in the community, aimed at enabling individuals to reach their potential, as well as supports and assistance to families and caregivers of individuals affected by FASD.
Supports include:
- education and training about FASD
- FASD-informed support services for people with FASD and their caregivers
- outreach support and mentorship
- life skills programs
- justice-related supports such as youth programs and corrections outreach
- employment supports
- supportive housing
Support services promote the development and well-being of individuals and caregivers to encourage healthy communities.
Prevention Conversation
The FASD Prevention Conversation: A Shared Responsibility program equips professionals and others who engage with women of childbearing years, partners and youth, with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in crucial conversations about the use of alcohol before and during pregnancy and the impact that alcohol can have on the developing fetus; in order to facilitate access to the services and the supports they need to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
At the heart of this program lies a commitment to raising awareness about FASD. One of the cornerstones of the FASD Prevention Conversation Program is professional development. Informed professionals are essential catalysts for change in their communities. That’s why the program offer comprehensive workshops that delve into the complexities of FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure, and how to effectively engage in conversations about alcohol and pregnancy.
To book a Prevention Conversation presentation, please contact:
Amy Tobin
FASD Prevention Conversation Facilitator
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Assoc.
Fort McMurray, AB
780-750-9729