Statewide FASD Prevention

2006

This project proposes to integrate statewide a comprehensive system of case management services to reduce the risk factors for alcohol use in pregnant women in South Dakota. South Dakota has a high rate of alcohol use by all citizens, regardless of sex, age or ethnicity. A study conducted by the Four-State FAS Consortium in 2003 found that 22.1% of surveyed pregnant women in South Dakota consumed alcohol during their first trimester. While this data indicates that a majority of the prenatal alcohol exposure in South Dakota occurs prior to a woman?s knowledge of her pregnancy, it also indicates that many women continue drinking throughout pregnancy. A wide array of activities or programs is needed to ameliorate risk factors because of the many influences of alcohol on behavior and therefore prevention initiatives must embrace an approach that is broadly focused. Optimum treatment involves the selection of the appropriate treatment or intervention most likely to facilitate a positive outcome in a particular individual matching needs and programs. The literature in recent years has shown that the best way to impact some secondary prevention measures is through intensive case management. Case management services have been shown to reduce alcohol intake in pregnant women before their third trimester. These types of case management services have been tested on selected pregnant women in South Dakota and have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk factors for prenatal alcohol use. This project will provide the South Dakota Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, within the South Dakota Department of Human Services, with the resources to mobilize and build the capacity of South Dakota to provide a critical service to pregnant women in South Dakota who are at risk of prenatal alcohol use. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, as the lead agency on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the state, will partner with the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Institute (FASDI), Center for Disabilities, the University of South Dakota to collaborate with identified Task Force members to determine a strategic plan for the implementation of case management services for pregnant women at risk of alcohol use across the state. Phase 1 will involve the selection of the Task Force with representatives from state and human service agencies, Indian Health Services, health care facilities and the target population. The Task Force will collaborate with staff to conduct an assessment of the current delivery system and the data collected through recent projects in order to determine the needs of the state. This information will be used to develop a strategic plan to be implemented in Phase 2 for providing case management services to women at risk of prenatal alcohol use.

Fetal Alcohol spectrum disorders, prevention, case management

Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances

State

N/A