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News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - A battle of the bands contest and concert is being planned to help spread awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) and the dangers of women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Treatment Center is organizing the concert.The contest is part of the treatment center’s work with the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) to develop and implement education and prevention ideas addressing fetal alcohol syndrome within area communities. The center is already implementing its community awareness plan.
The Cherokee Nation recently hosted an education workshop for healthcare workers, explaining the symptoms of FASD, a disorder caused women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. About 100 health professionals attended.
“We hope that these people gained enough information to go back into their communities and properly diagnose and be more aware of people that could possibly have some type of FASD,” said Chris Samples, a case manager at the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Treatment Center.
“FASD is commonly misdiagnosed and we hoped to bring in speakers to this recent training that would better clarify symptoms associated with FASD,” Samples said. “As well, we hope to reach even more people through our upcoming art and music contest. We hope it will help spread awareness about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy.”
The art contest is open to anyone residing within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county area. It will consist of four separate age categories for adults and children in grades 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12. All artwork must be original and reflect one of the contest themes. A tentative deadline for art submission is Friday, July 23.
“We hope to have plenty of entries that will come forth and display artwork that reflects the dangers of alcoholism while pregnant,” Samples said.
The Battle of the Bands is open to any local band and will take place during the Cherokee Nation FASD Arts Event (date to be announced).
“Winners will receive a prize valued at over $50, local media exposure, and exposure in the NOFAS monthly newsletter and a spot on the NOFAS Web site,” Samples said. “Artwork may even be used in community-wide campaigns about the prevention of FASD.”
For more information on the art contest or to sign up for the Battle of the Bands, please contact Chris Samples, Cherokee Nation NOFAS program administrator, phone: 918-458-0496 (ext.223).
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |