FASD Action Plan Welcomed

FASD Action Plan Welcomed

August 16, 2017

The drinking culture change initiative Cheers! today welcomed the release of government’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Action Plan.

“We’re pleased to see the plan takes both an evidenced-based approach, as well as one that supports education and information sharing to reduce the incidence of FASD in New Zealand,” said Cheers! Chairman, Jeffrey Clarke.

“We’re also particularly happy to see that there is a strong partnership approach built into the plan that will see government agencies and the alcohol industry jointly involved in programmes,” said Clarke.

“It is clear that it is safest not to drink while pregnant and although this seems like a simple message to convey, as with anything that involves understanding and changing behaviours long term, a wellresearched and communicated approach is required to drive changes in drinking patterns.”

Clarke says the Action Plan both acknowledges this and lays out an approach which supports, firstly, understanding more about the New Zealand situation and then tasks government agencies to better coordinate their activities as well as asking industry to be involved as part of the solution.

“This type of approach is what Cheers! is all about – using evidenced-based programmes, targeted at known populations to create behaviour change.

“We look forward to working with government as the Action Plan develops.”

ENDS

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