Pages 241-242 in N. Murphy and A. Parkinson, eds. Circumpolar Health 2012: Circumpolar Health Comes Full Circle. Proceedings of the 15th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, August 5-10, 2012. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 2013;72 (Suppl 1):241-242
Pages 241-242 in N. Murphy and A. Parkinson, eds. Circumpolar Health 2012: Circumpolar Health Comes Full Circle. Proceedings of the 15th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, August 5-10, 2012. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 2013;72 (Suppl 1):241-242
Introduction
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a preventable cause of lifelong mental disability. Although the prevalence of FAS/Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASO) has decreased, Alaska continues to have the highest incidence of FAS in the US with rates higher among Alaska Natives than non-natives. Annual FAS costs for Alaska, in 1988 were projected to be more than $11.1 million.
Objectives
To review current Alaska FAS policies and interventions, and to identify successful FAS interventions in the circumpolar region for implementation in Alaska.