The Center for Humanistic Change will be offering a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Seminar on Friday, September 8, 2017. This event is free and open to the public via pre-registration at www.thechc.org/upcomingevents. Dianne O’Connor will be the facilitator for this event. She has been the Capital District Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS since October 2014. As a regional coordinator, Dianne helps families who have loved ones with developmental disabilities find services and emotional support in their communities. Prior to working with Parent to Parent, she worked for the NYS Research Foundation of Mental Hygiene at the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services implementing a sub-contract for SAMHSA on the Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

The details of the event are as follows:

Event Name: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): They Don’t Stay Children Forever
Date: Friday, September 8, 2017
Location: Historic Hotel Bethlehem : 437 Main Street, Bethlehem 18018
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Registration and complimentary breakfast begin at 7:30 AM)

This interactive seminar is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption during any stage of pregnancy. By the end of this engaging seminar participants will be able to:

• Identify the estimated prevalence of FASD in the overall population;
• Discuss how viewing FASD as co-occurring with other disorders is different than the general view of addressing co-occurring disorders;
• List strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with a FASD and their families.

The Center for Humanistic Change is a not-for-profit agency that gives community members the knowledge and tools they need to make better-informed and more positive life choices. We do this by providing prevention education and life skills training focusing on decision making for positive choices. For 37 years, CHC has developed and delivered high quality educational programming throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our programs provide individuals with tools that will enhance their personal growth, help them develop strong family units, and understand what is required for caring communities and effective working environments. CHC’s educational philosophy is based on a holistic learning model known as humanistic education, which seeks to engage people intellectually, emotionally, and behaviorally. We believe that people are inherently good and have the potential to live fulfilling lives. We also believe that, given the right tools, individuals can make positive choices and positive changes in their lives, have healthy relationships, and avoid destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, dependence, and violence. We serve individuals of all ages. This FASD Seminar is funded by Lehigh and Northampton Counties Departments of Human Service, Drug and Alcohol Divisions.