Dear Alberta FASD Service Network Professionals (including FASD Networks, agencies and program staff),
This research seeks to explore stakeholder perspectives on the risk factors and opportunities for suicide prevention among individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This is an area of study that is not often talked about and reflects a gap in research. The Building Strength, Inspiring Hope: A Provincial Action Plan for Youth Suicide Prevention 2019-2024, serves as the foundation for this research. It is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of youth suicide as identified in this Alberta report. This project is being conducted in Alberta. The principal investigators are affiliated with the University of Calgary (U of C), Faculty of Social Work (Dr. Dorothy Badry) and Werklund School of Education (Dr. Carly McMorris), Laurentian University (Dr. Kelly Harding) and research partners include the CanFASD Research Network, CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health, Creating Hope Society of Alberta, Edmonton & Area Fetal Alcohol Network Society, Myles Himmelreich and other researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, SOGC Canada, Mount Royal University and the Cumming School of Medicine at U of C.
In order to impact best practice prevention/intervention strategies and targeted, evidence-based interventions for individuals with FASD, our study is seeking to gain a unique understanding from caregivers of children and youth with FASD, community members, professionals and researchers who engage with and provide service to persons with FASD and have knowledge about mental health issues and suicide amongst this population. We are inviting you to participate in a semi-structured interview or possible virtual focus group to be held at a determined date.
How do I get involved?
This research provides you with an opportunity to share your experience and knowledge in relation to research, policy and practice focused on mental health, FASD and suicide prevention. If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact us at the number below. Thank you for considering participating in this research project.
Contact Information:
For more information or to arrange an interview, please feel free to reach out to the research team by email. Ashwini Hemmady and Erin Leveque
ashwini.hemmady@ucalgary.ca ecwarner@ucalgary.ca
The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics board has approved this research study. For questions or concerns, please contact the Research Ethics Analyst, Research Services Office, University of Calgary at (403) 220-6289/220-4283; email cfreb@ucalgary.ca