Audrey McFarlane Appointed to the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse Board of Directors

April 28, 2014 For immediate release Ottawa: Today, Health Minister Rona Ambrose announced the appointment of Audrey McFarlane to the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (CCSA) Board of Directors for a three-year term. Ms. McFarlane is currently the Executive Director at the Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Cold Lake, Alberta. She obtained her degree in Community Rehabilitation and has spent nearly two decades working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and providing training on FASD. She has also been deeply involved at the local, regional and national level on many issues concerning FASD, particularly in Canadas north. The Government of Canada has made addressing substance abuse a priority and the contributions of the CCSA are an important part of that effort. Quick Facts

As announced in Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada has committed to expanding the scope of its National Anti-Drug Strategy to address prescription drug abuse. The CCSA receives funding from Health Canada through the National Anti-Drug Strategy. The CCSA provides national leadership to advance solutions that address health, social and economic harms associated with substance abuse and addiction.

Quotes Ms. McFarlane has been recognized for her strong contributions to improving healthcare to some of the most vulnerable members of society. I am confident that her extensive knowledge, skills and experience will help the CCSA in addressing substance abuse and the impacts of addiction in Canada. I am pleased to continue our partnership with the CCSA in keeping our communities safe and healthy." Rona Ambrose Minister of Health We are fortunate to add Audrey McFarlanes experience and breadth of knowledge to our Board. Her understanding of FASD, womens issues and remote pop ulations

provides a great complement to the important work undertaken at CCSA to address addictions and accompanying health and social issues. Leanne Lewis CCSA Board Chair. It is with great pleasure that we receive Audrey McFarlane on the CCSA Board. FASD affects as many as nine in 1,000 babies, yet FASD is preventable. Having Ms. McFarlanes expertise and attention to this issue will assist CCSA in educating people about FASD and advancing solutions to help Canadians live in a healthy society. Michel Perron CCSA Chief Executive Officer