Sylvia Hayward-Harris is an internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor who has been teaching Addiction Studies courses at Bermuda College since 1998.

Recently, Ms Hayward-Harris, in conjunction with several of her students from previous semesters, formed the Fetal Substance Disorder Awareness Coalition, (FeSDAC) an outgrowth of last semester's research project on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE).

A talented teacher and community leader, she was instrumental in coordinating FAS Day Bermuda on September 9 this year, on the steps of City Hall, Hamilton.

"At the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of 2000, bells tolled throughout the world to begin a minute of reflection by parents, caregivers, interested persons and professionals to remind us that women should abstain from drinking alcohol throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy,'' she explained.

In concert with the efforts of FAS WORLD participants from Australia to Western Canada and a multitude of points between, the Bermuda contingent rang bells and hosted the reading of a proclamation by the Hamilton Town Crier, as well as readings from various members of FeSDAC.

Their objective was to raise community awareness around the seriousness of the issue and the ease of prevention.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the leading causes of birth defects today in the US, yet it is 100% preventable by abstaining from alcohol during conception and pregnancy.

"My students studied FAS/FAE in their curriculum and their findings motivated them and me to help prevent this in Bermuda by educating people and raising awareness. I encourage my students to be `change agents', '' she said.

She feels that since the late 1970s, societal mores have changed. As it has become more acceptable for women to drink and smoke, their consumption of alcohol and tobacco has escalated as their roles have evolved from that of primary caregiver staying at home to mother or wife with a career outside the home.

Ms Hayward-Harris is a caring and compassionate woman on the front of many women's issues. She started the R.A.P.E. Crisis Centre (now the Women's Resource Centre) in 1987 and ran it for four years until she left Bermuda to further her education.

She now holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Audrey Cohen College, New York and a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Fordham University, New York.

When asked who her role models have been she said: "My parents, Mary and Lance Hayward and Dame Lois Browne Evans, my Godmother, were strong influences on me and encouraged me by example to be a goal oriented person and to reach for my dreams.

"They instilled kindness in me and taught me to care about other people. My older brother, Stuart Hayward, was a mentor too and introduced me to Transcendental Meditation which helps me stay calm and focused.'' Research on FAS in Bermuda revealed less than 6 FAS births in ten years, much lower than the worldwide average.

Given the extent of alcohol use in this community, those figures are surprising,she stated. Even more surprising,she continued, was that we could find no statistics at all regarding FAE, which has an even greater, potentially negative impact on the community.

Awareness, education and prevention can help end the tragedy of FAS/FAE. The bottom line is for any woman who knows there is even a small chance she could be pregnant, to give up all alcohol until she is either certain she is not pregnant or until after she has given birth.

CADA has a FAS display at the entrance to the Prevention Resource Centre with handouts and useful information.

Anyone interested in forming a support group for parents and caregivers, participating in awareness and prevention initiatives, or needing more information should contact Ms. Hayward-Harris at 295-6969.

Substance abuse and crime can lead to life in jail.

DRUGS DGS