NB FASD Centre of Excellence
The centre offers services to the family of anyone with FASD and to the professionals working with them. These services can consist of:
- Prevention;
- Diagnosis;
- Intervention and support.
The NB FASD Centre of Excellence is the only facility offering bilingual services in Canada and the only centre of its type in Eastern Canada. The centre holds 24 diagnostic clinics every year. It is a member of the Canada FASD Research Network.
Mission and vision
Mission
- Prevent alcohol exposure during pregnancy
- Accurately diagnose people with FASD
- Strengthen community resources by working with individuals, families, and care providers
Vision
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For everyone in New Brunswick to know that alcohol, smoking, drugs, mercury, x-rays, some chemicals, and some prescription medications are dangerous during pregnancy.
- For pregnant women in New Brunswick to receive help in stopping or reducing their drinking, smoking, and drug use.
- For children exposed to alcohol or other harmful substances during pregnancy to be assessed at the appropriate time and receive help in reducing their related problems (low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, failing at school, drug and alcohol problems, problems with the law).
- For care providers looking after people with FASD to receive the help they need.
- For mothers who have a child with FASD to receive the support they need.
The New Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Centre of Excellence is part of Vitalité Health Network. It is a bilingual provincial program funded by the New Brunswick Department of Health.
Partnerships
The Department of Health and Vitalité and Horizon health networks provide the services of the pediatricians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists working at the centre.
The centre works with a number of community partners and government organizations (at the local, provincial, and federal levels).
The centre coordinates the collaboration between social, education, and justice services and the First Nations to facilitate the delivery of prevention, diagnosis, and intervention services. The centre’s success depends on these partnerships.
Team
The centre’s team is made up of the following members:
- Pediatricians;
- Psychologists;
- Occupational therapists;
- Speech-language pathologists;
- Community coordinators;
- First Nations liaison officers;
- A program manager;
- An administrative assistant.
