Vision: To engage and support Kentucky communities in a coordinated effort to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Alcohol is more damaging to a developing fetus than tobacco, marijuana, heroin and crack/cocaine. Besides tobacco, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among young people.

Seventy percent of Kentucky residents surveyed believe that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome means that a baby is "born drunk," and will therefore "sober up."

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are 100 percent preventable. If a woman is pregnant or could become pregnant, providing accurate information about the risks and dangers of alcohol use is a necessary first step for prevention.

The Sycamore Project, housed at Bluegrass Prevention Center, is Kentucky's Prevention Enhancement Site for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD PES). In 2005, a national FASD conference sponsored by Bluegrass laid the foundation for continued Prevention efforts across the state.

Sycamore Project Goals

1. Establish a training network made up of a variety of community partners and other interested community members. The training network will provide in-depth information about FASD and will prepare participants to be local FASD trainers.
2. Train Regional Prevention Center staff to educate middle and high school students about FASD and to gather data for use in FASD curriculum development.
3. Advocate for effective public policy at the state and local levels.
4. Work with colleges and universities throughout the state to determine effective and efficient methods for including FASD information in freshman orientation and other forums.
5. Respond to information requests and support local efforts toward mobilizing around FASD issues. The FASD PES will compile a resource and networking list for people seeking assistance outside the scope of prevention to be shared with stakeholders across the state.
6. Remain current on new information, research and best practices in FASD through participation and mentoring with the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS).

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder PES Toolbox

• A Dialogue About Alcohol, Pregnancy and Community Support
• FASD College Survey
• Healthy Babies Community Survey
• Service Guide for The Sycamore Project

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder PES Manager

Laura Nagle, FASD, PES Manager, is a Certified Prevention Professional and has worked for Bluegrass Prevention Center since 1999. From 1999-2001, Laura served as coordinator of a Drug-Free Communities grant in Madison County, where she assisted the coalition to begin looking at environmental strategies for alcohol prevention in Richmond.

From 2001-2005, she coordinated a federal research grant focusing on community-based awareness, prevention and identification of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. She has taught at the National Prevention Network conference, the Kentucky School for Alcohol and Other Drug Studies, and the National Rural Health conference.

Return to top