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Wednesday, September 12, 2001



Easter Seals gets a big boost
for fetal alcohol study in Hilo


Star-Bulletin staff

Easter Seals Hawaii has received $11,500 from the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation to develop a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects Diagnostic Clinic in Hilo.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome refers to a group of physical and mental birth defects resulting from drinking during pregnancy.

The clinic would be the first of its kind in Hawaii.

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have problems with learning, memory, attention span, problem solving, speech and hearing, according to the Mental Health Association.

Easter Seals says the Big Island has a disproportionate share of social problems in the state, particularly in substance abuse. But it isn't known how bad the situation is because expertise in the syndrome is lacking in East Hawaii.

Part of the Geist Foundation award funds will enable a multidisciplinary team to receive training in diagnosing the syndrome.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to address long-neglected needs in our community and we know an operational Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Clinic will have numerous benefits to our families," said Wendy Correa, Easter Seals-Hilo program director.

Collaborating on the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome project are the Casey Family Programs, March of Dimes, state Department of Health Public Health Nursing, Malama A Ho'opili Pono Project and other East Hawaii agencies.



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