History of the Native Initiative

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration established the FASD Center for Excellence in 2001 to create awareness about FASD and to improve the quality of life for individuals and families who are affected by it. The Center provides national leadership in the fight against FASD and encourages community collaboration. The Native Initiative focuses on FASD among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. It emphasizes traditional themes such as the importance of family, the healing power of communities, and the role of a vision in producing positive results.

Purpose of the Native Initiative

The Native Initiative is designed to encourage partnerships, to increase awareness, and to educate Native populations about FASD. The goals of the initiative are to:

• Increase the number of tribes and other Native groups that have a comprehensive system of care for FASD.
• Increase the availability of culturally relevant information and effective interventions for addressing FASD.
• Provide a model for an innovative approach to FASD prevention for childbearing women.
• Increase the number of organizations that address FASD in Native communities.