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Region Recognizes ‘Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day’

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September 9 marks International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day and communities in Northwestern Ontario are showing their support.

The Northwestern Ontario FASD Diagnostic Clinic, supported by Firefly, wants to continue this important conversation to individuals and caregivers impacted by FASD.

Clinical Manager at Firefly Amanda Brennan says FASD exists throughout Canada, and right here in Northwestern Ontario as they see 45-55 kids each year through the diagnostic clinic.

‘We just want people to remember that FASD does not discriminate, anyone can be susceptible to it if they have prenatal alcohol exposure. Really, there could be people you work with, or go to school with that have FASD so just bringing awareness to that.”

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body in 4 percent of Canadians, which is more than Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Spina Bifida combined.

Brennan explains the day was first recognized in 1999 to raise awareness about the conditions that can develop from alcohol use during pregnancy.

“It was chosen so that on the ninth day or the month month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy, women should try to abstain from alcohol if possible.”

There’s a wide range of conditions in which FASD can present but some of the conditions include deficits in cognition, language, motor skills and attention.

While there is still research to be done about the disorder, Brennan says experts agree that no amount of drinking is considered safe while pregnant.

Brennan says there’s a few activities going on across the region.

“There’s a walk that’s taking place in Kenora from Husky The Muskie to the Farmers Market and back, so people are encouraged to wear their red shoes.”

Red Shoes Rock is part of the campaign, which entourages people to start a conversation and end the stigma of FASD.

Sioux Lookout’s Healthy Generations FASD Family Support Program and other organizations will also be participating by hosting a zoom rock painting party.

You are asked to gather rocks and get ready to paint them red, black and white.

The goal is to paint red shoes on the rocks and then scatter them around town to bring awareness to FASD.

You can join the zoom painting party by emailing yvette.jones@cldsl.ca to register.

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FIREFLY Looking At Cautious Approach To Reopening

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FIREFLY child and family services is now working on plans to reopen their offices across the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Chief Executive Officer Karen Ingebrigtson says she realizes face-to-face programming is important for many.

The organization is continuing to deliver counselling and children’s treatment services virtually and will be looking at implementing in-person services in a phased approach.

Ingebrigtson says the first phase for children rehabilitation services and children and youth mental health services will centre on clients who face barriers and are identified as needing services right away.

She says staff are currently identifying those clients and developing procedures and policies to meet public health recommendations.

Ingebrigtson notes they hope to be offering childcare services in Kenora at King George and Evergreen by June 29th and Cameron Bay Child Care Centre will be looking at reopening July 2nd.

She adds at this time, FIREFLY childcare programs and EarlyON Centres in Sioux Lookout and Kenora remain closed.

FIREFLY continues to accept referrals from third-parties and families and youth.

For referrals or to connect with a service, please contact the Intake line at 1-833-696-5437 or email intake@fireflynw.ca

If you have general questions, questions about closures, or questions regarding FIREFLY EarlyON or Childcare, please call 1-800-465-7203.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call Kenora-Rainy River District Crisis Response at 1-866-888-8988 or attend your local emergency department.

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FIREFLY Continues To Offer Virtual Services

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FIREFLY in Kenora-Rainy River is going to continue offering virtual services only.

As of today the organization can restart in-person counselling and children’s treatment services, however officials say they need more time to prepare.

They stress their number one priority is protecting the health and safety of staff, children, family and youth in the communities they serve.

FIREFLY says they will move forward with in-person services as soon as it is safe to do.

Officials have stated the virtual model has been working well with no major problems reported.

EarlyON Centres in Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Minto remain closed and FIREFLY continues to offer childcare services for essential workers as coordinated by the Kenora District Services Board.

You can visit http://www.kdsb.on.ca to apply for a space.

FIREFLY continues to accept referrals from third-parties and families and youth.

Visit http://www.fireflynw.ca for more information or call 1-833-696-5437.

Anyone with questions on FIREFLY COVID-19 closures can call 1-800-465-7203.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call Kenora-Rainy River District Crisis Response at 1-866-888-8988.

 

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Audio: FIREFLY Mental Health Tips For Parents

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It’s Mental Health Week and work continues to raise awareness on the signs and assistance available for mental health issues.

FIREFLY in Kenora and Rainy River is hoping to inform the community of what programs they offer to help youth maintain a healthy mind.

Clinical Manager Ashley Apland says “So important to recognize Mental Health Week for families, children and youth to bring awareness to children’s mental health, identify needs for service and also to recognize the skills and dedicate professionals that work in the field of children’s mental health.”

Apland stresses “FIREFLY is still open and we’re offering virtual counselling which can be done over the phone or through video for families of children ages 0 and 18. So our intake line is open for new referrals.”

The intake line number is 1-833-696-5437.

Apland says if you feel your child is suffering, you should reach out for help.

She recommends that parents ensure their child follows a proper routine, gets enough sleep, share their feelings and remain active.

Apland mentions some of the signs of mental health problems in youth.

“Difficult breathing, a faster heartbeat, muscle tension, sweatiness, shakiness, dizziness and headaches. Specific to anxiety it can also affect a child’s behavior in increased irritability, sleep challenges or difficulty separating from parents.”

For more information visit http://www.fireflynw.ca/ or follow FIREFLY on social media.

You can hear more tips from Ashley Apland by visiting the Audio link below.

 

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Firefly Recognizing Speech And Hearing Month

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This is Speech and Hearing awareness month and Firefly in the Kenora and Rainy River districts is trying to raise its profile.

The agency provides service to youth up to the age of 18.

Firefly is sharing information about the importance of helping kids communicate through its website and social media.

Speech and Language Pathologist Carrie Hall says “Sometimes you see us at schools and daycare’s. We might be working with kids who are using a device to communicate, like an iPad. We might just be working on speech sounds or just general language development.”

Hall notes communication is a very important tool.

“Helping children learn how to communicate really helps them to be active participants in the world around them. There’s also a lot of research behind how delayed communication skills can affect later academic development.”

This is also Mental Health Week.

Hall says “If communication skills are keeping you from connecting with the world, it can definitely impact your mental health and well-being in general.”

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FIREFLY Supporting Parents During COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic could be a time of anxiety and stress for many children and youth.

FIREFLY provides emotional, physical, developmental and community services for children and youth across the Kenora and Rainy River District.

Executive Director Karen Ingebrigtson says one tip she can offer is don’t be afraid to talk about the subject.

“Children are hearing about this. People are talking about it. So it’s really good to have a discussion. Start to think about how you can be that filter for the news for your children and to help them feel informed.”

She notes the first step is informing yourself as a parent, noting information on symptoms, prevalence and current recommendations can all be found at www.publichealthontario.ca

Ingebrigtson says this is a time when we may feel powerless but it’s also an opportunity to take advantage of the things that we can control.

“This is an opportunity to help children and one of the ways to do that is to have a routine. Children are away from school now (for 2 weeks) so how can we build in a routine in our day-to-day activities.”

She suggests that today’s technology allows for virtual playdates and even coffee shop gatherings for Seniors.

Ingebrigtson also suggests developing creative activities for the entire family to take part in.

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FIREFLY Expanding Services To Children/Families

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FIREFLY has been able to expand its service delivery options to continue to offer care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization provides emotional, physical, developmental and community services for children and youth across the Kenora and Rainy River District.

All offices and childcare programs are closed until April 6th to limit the spread of the virus.

Executive Director Karen Ingebrigtson says staff will still be providing counselling and childrens rehabilitation services by telephone or online.

Ingebrigtson says over the next days, their clinicians will be reaching out to existing clients with upcoming appointments to discuss that options that are available during this time.

New clients will also be accepted and you can call FIREFLY at 1-800-465-7203 for more information.

Ingebrigtson stresses “For our Child and Youth Mental Health programs, we recognize that these times of uncertainty are when children, youth and families will need our services the most. We also know that for our Child and Youth Development Services, consistent, structured, uninterrupted services will have the greatest benefits for the families we serve to build on their strengths.”

She notes the best way to stay updated on FIREFLY activity during the pandemic is by visiting their Facebook page.

Ingebrigtson says it includes helpful tips to cope with anxiety during a stressful time.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/fireflynw for more information.

 

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Firefly Outlines 3-Year Strategic Plan

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The organization that provides a number of services for infants, children and families across the Kenora and Rainy River districts is out with its new three year strategic plan.

The strategy was formed following consultations with staff, youth, families and community partners.

Chief Executive Officer Karen Ingebrigtson outlines one of the key priorities in the plan saying they are promoting and supporting their Indigenous partners and communities and developing their services that meet the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action.

Ingebrigtson adds a focus will be put on giving clients more of a voice in organizational decisions and improving access to service.

If you want to hear more from Ingebrigtson, click the audio below.

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Red Shoes Day

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Monday, September 9th marks Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day across Canada.

FIREFLY is among the groups involved in raising awareness and staff across the Kenora district are involved by hosting Red Shoes Day.

Occupation Therapist Stephanie Runtz says a number of resources are available in area communities to support victims, including mental health services.

Runtz says FASD is an invisible disability, noting the infliction doesn’t get the attention it needs.

September 9th is selected as FASD Awareness Day because the 9th day of the 9th month represents the 9 months of a normal pregnancy.

Red Shoes were worn for the first time in 2013, as a way to be noticed and talk to strangers about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.