Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic in Staples gets grant

STAPLES - Lakewood Health System, working with Freshwater Education District and Todd-Wadena Healthy Connections, received a multi-year grant from the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to create a region-wide support network for children and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

The clinic provides diagnostic and consultation services to children in central Minnesota and is composed of 11 staff members from Lakewood Health System and Freshwater Education District. The clinic, which began in 2000, is directed by Dr. Pi-Nian Chang of the University of Minnesota. Clinics are typically held four to five times annually.

Since its inception, the Staples Clinic has diagnosed more than 70 children from 10 counties in central Minnesota.

The grant will allow the diagnostic team to revise the structure and frequency of the current clinics to reach a larger population, as well as emphasize services for families living with an FASD diagnosis. A major component of the grant is the addition of a case manager who will focus on advocacy, network building and providing post-diagnostic support options.

Children are referred to the clinic by school systems, physicians, social services child protection workers, mental health centers and families.

For more information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the clinic, contact Betty Ness at (218) 894-8326.