A five-year, $5 million research program funded by BHP and aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of FASD in the Pilbara officially wrapped in South Hedland last night.
Following on from The Kids’ previous work in the Kimberley, the Hedland FASD Project worked in partnership with Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, the Hedland FASD Network and the Hedland FASD Community Reference Group to support local efforts in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, family support, capacity building and policy advocacy.
Working with existing Hedland, Warralong and Yandeyarra services, networks and communities, the project aimed to:
- Identify rates of alcohol use in pregnancy using AUDIT-C data routinely collected by midwives during antenatal care
- Reduce the rates of alcohol use in pregnancy among local Aboriginal women
- Increase the capacity of the local community and services to care for and support individuals and families affected by FASD
Key achievements include:
- Public awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy was found to be very high, at 94%. Awareness of FASD and the link between drinking and FASD and FASD symptoms was moderate at 60%.
- Over 1000 antenatal healthcare records were entered and analysed. Midwives were trained in the use of AUDIT-C to improve screening.
- 47 children were assessed for neurodevelopmental delays, with 27 children receiving a confirmed FASD diagnosis. Other diagnosis received by children included autism, ADHD, PTSD and global developmental delay.
Long term sustainable change requires community participation and ownership, and a deep understanding of the unique issues and landscape of the area. The Hedland FASD Project placed a strong focus on building community capability and leadership through employing and training local community researchers, establishing a community reference group of respected Aboriginal elders, supporting the Hedland FASD Network and engaging with local service providers.
Community researchers and the community reference group embraced the opportunity and are speaking with their families and communities about FASD. Together with Perth-based researchers, the team collaborates with partners, shares learnings and seeks opportunities for advocacy.
The unprecedented support of BHP over five years has enabled this project to have an active presence in the Port Hedland, Warralong and Yandeyarra communities.