FASD Center for Excellence

Erie County, New York
Summary of the External Launch
November 15, 2002

The ambiance at the external launch in Erie County, NY, showed that this community is not only excited about being chosen as one of the four sites to pilot the health education program, but passionate about touching people to inspire them to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). From the location of the event to the layout of the program, the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ECCPASA) kicked off the Partnership to Prevent FASD campaign in style. Almost 100 individuals attended the event at the renovated historic 1920's movie palace, Shea's Performing Arts Center, where a beautifully decorated foyer was rented to the organization at a discounted price.

Several local restaurants and businesses (including Pepsi-Cola and Spot Coffee,) supported ECCPASA by donating appetizers, soft drinks, and coffee. Their donations were the basis for an informal reception where attendees networked with each other while a young pianist played softly in the background. At this time, participants had an opportunity to view the Partnership materials as well as FASD prevention materials developed by ECCPASA. Responses to the materials were overwhelmingly positive. Participants were particularly impressed with the rack cards. In fact, one of the restaurant owners who come only to drop off donated food picked up materials, saying that she would display them at her restaurant.

Kelly Sproull, former Miss New York State and herself a new mother, acted as Mistress of Ceremonies for the short formal program that followed. Next, Michael Weiner, Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health, and the Honorable Sam Hoyt, New York State Assembly, welcomed the attendees. It was noted that Erie County was chosen as one of the four pilot sites because of its strengths as a community and because of ECCPASA's expertise in the field of prevention. Mr. Weiner also released new surveillance data indicating that the city of Buffalo has a rate 3 times the national average for babies born with FAS. A CSAP representative then provided a brief overview of how the Partnership is teaming with Erie County to address FASD, noting upcoming training activities.

Representatives from local partner organizations and other community organizations speaking at the launch called attention to what they have done to make FASD a priority issue in their community. Participants also heard testimonials from several individuals personally affected by FAS. Lisa Kaminski shared her experience of raising a 4-year-old with FAS. Nine-year-old Tyler Whitcomb, read an essay he wrote about what it is like to grow up with FAS. His mother, Cindy Whitcomb, shared stories about raising Tyler. She discussed some of her strategies for dealing with Tyler, such as the defensive posture (i.e., arms and legs extended to slow his approach) that she learned to adopt to keep his hugs from turning into impulsive aggression.

The first-hand experiences that were energized all in attendance to take a stand against FASD. At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Barry Weinstein, Erie County Legislator, presented a county proclamation to the FADE Prevention Educator and ECCPASA key contact for the Partnership, Helen Weinstein (no relation to Dr. Barry Weinstein) The proclamation officially honors ECCPASA for its involvement as a lead organization in CSAP's Partnership to Prevent FASD.