Trained as a social worker, Ms. Audrey McFarlane has dedicated her career to helping people impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
In 2001, she founded The Lakeland Centre for FASD, which provides free programs and services in Alberta communities, including within First Nations and Métis settlements. In addition to being the first diagnostic clinic in the province and developing the community-based model for diagnosis, it leads prevention efforts as well as adult and family supports, mothers-to-be-mentoring, employment coaching and a summer camp program.
Ms. McFarlane is currently the executive director of the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD). She was a driving force behind legislation currently in the Senate, Bill S-253, aiming for a national framework to help Canadians with FASD and their families.
Ms. McFarlane’s leadership is lauded for its multidimensional and inclusive approach, amplifying the voices and lived experiences of caregivers and their families.
“Ms. McFarlane is a visionary leader whose tireless efforts and profound contributions in the field of FASD have catalyzed positive changed to health care delivery, public health education, and the outcomes for individuals, families and communities.” — Dr. Jocelynn Cook, chief scientific officer for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Ms. Audrey McFarlane is receiving the Owen Adams Award of Honour — the highest CMA award available to a non-physician — for her work to help individuals and communities impacted by FASD.