Combatting FASDs: A New Challenge for the AAMA-Combatting FASDs: A New Challenge for the AAMA

Combatting FASDs: A New Challenge for the AAMA

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The Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada, Reno aims to enhance the delivery of prevention and treatment services for individuals with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This is achieved through assisting states, organizations, communities, students, and the workforce in applying research-based practices.<br /><br />In collaboration with the FASD Practice and Implementation Centers (PICs) and National Partners, CASAT focuses on shifting from individual training programs for medical and healthcare professionals to impacting healthcare practices at the systems level, emphasizing prevention opportunities.<br /><br />The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Grant Number 1U01DD001132-01R. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)—affecting 9–10 per 1,000 births, which translates to approximately 40,000 alcohol-affected births annually—are comparable in prevalence and costs to other developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Autism. The lifetime cost per individual with FASD ranges from $1.4 to $1.5 million.<br /><br />One primary concern is the insufficient screening for alcohol use among pregnant women, with only one-third assessed in routine prenatal care and fewer in other settings. Medical assistants play a critical role in routine screenings and overall patient care, acting as essential links within healthcare teams by ensuring continuity of care, relaying patient concerns to physicians, and building communication bridges between patients, families, and healthcare providers.<br /><br />CASAT aims to accomplish two key goals: <br />1. Increase the number of medical assistants trained on FASD who show improved knowledge, attitudes, and skills.<br />2. Increase the number of healthcare systems that adopt clinical preventive services, demonstrating improved practices regarding FASD prevention, identification, and treatment.

Keywords

CASAT

University of Nevada, Reno

Substance Abuse Technologies

FASD

Healthcare Systems

Prevention Services

Medical Assistants

CDC

Prenatal Screening

Behavioral Disorders