Advisory Board on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse


Alaska FASD Partnership


MISSION: To promote awareness, prevention, and effective life-long interventions for those affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol and their families.

The Alaska Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Partnership is a statewide coalition of Alaskan individuals and organizations interested in preventing FASD and improving access to services for people impacted by FASD. The Partnership was formed in 2010, after a groundswell of stakeholder effort and public comment to the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and its partners about the need for a more organized effort to address FASD in Alaska.

The Alaska FASD Partnership has over 75 members and is guided by a steering committee, which includes representatives from many organizations, as well as parents and individuals who themselves experience an FASD.

In its first year, the Partnership helped to successfully advocate for state funding for substance abuse treatment for pregnant women, parent navigation services, and increased access to services for people diagnosed with FASD. Members co-hosted an informational presentation to legislators – which included testimony from experts and families of people affected by FASD. The Partnership co-hosted with CHARR (Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association) an appreciation luncheon at the Capitol for eight Alaska legislators who have worked to further funding and policies related to FASD. Also, members provided input in the funding recommendation process for the FY12 budget, and held a summit to identify gaps and barriers, and develop short and long-term goals for the Partnership.

In 2011, the Partnership has formed workgroups that are actively addressing a variety of issues, including Diagnosis/Parent Navigation, Family/Peer Support, Pregnancy/Treatment for Pregnant Women, FASD and the Education System, FASD and the Legal System, Services for Adults with FASD, and Professional Development.

For more information about the Partnership’s activities, to become a member, or to join one of the Partnership’s workgroups, please contact akfasdpartnership@alaska.gov or call 907-465-8920.

Funding is now available for case management services for individuals diagnosed with FASD.  Case management services help ensure that individuals and families are connected to necessary medical, behavioral health, educational, vocational, and other community based services. Providers in Juneau, Bethel, Sitka and Kenai can apply.  Call Sumer Todd-Harding at 907-465-6148 for more information.

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