Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-193
September 18, 2007
Increased Funding Supports Women with FASD
WHITEHORSE – Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers today announced the government has committed $200,000 to support a specialized program offered by the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of Yukon (FASSY).
"I am very pleased that the government will now provide funding to FASSY to specifically support the 'Get by with a Little Help from My Friends' program," Cathers said. "This action clearly demonstrates this government’s commitment to helping individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to have a better life. It will also ensure that FASSY has ongoing funding for this very successful program."
The program to benefit from the increased funding is a one-on-one support program for women with FASD. It works to improve the quality of life for these women while at the same time reducing victimization because of their disorder and increasing personal safety and stability.
"It is fitting that we get word of this program just when there is a report out of the University of Manitoba saying all governments should increase their support for FASD. This commitment will assist FASSY in helping those who most need our support," said FASSY president Richard Johnson.
The Yukon government stepped forward to assist FASSY when funding through the federal government ceased in 2005. Today’s announcement increases the government’s current financial support of FASSY to $367,000.
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Contact:
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Pat Living, Director Communications, Health and Social Services 867-667-3673 patricia.living@gov.yk.ca |