Tech Meets Care: Unveiling the My Health Coach App with Dr. Christie Petrenko

In this engaging episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper welcomes back the dynamic Dr. Christie Petrenko from the University of Rochester. Together, they delve into the exciting advancements in research aimed at supporting adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Dr. Petrenko shares insights about the innovative app, My Health Coach, designed specifically for adults living with FASD, highlighting its features such as a health coach chatbot, medication reminders, and personalized tracking tools.

The discussion explores the collaborative effort behind the app’s development, emphasizing the importance of user feedback and the role of the Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Changemakers in co-designing this essential resource. Dr. Petrenko outlines the app's capabilities, including symptom tracking and daily check-ins, which address the unique challenges faced by adults with FASD.

Patti and Christie also touch on another exciting initiative, the Thrive program, aimed at empowering young adults through personalized support and goal setting. Listeners will learn about the importance of community engagement in research and how individuals can get involved in both the My Health Coach app study and the Thrive program.

This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, health, and FASD advocacy. Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on groundbreaking research but also encourages community participation in shaping the future of support for individuals with FASD.

As always, please remember to like, share, and follow the Living with FASD podcast to help spread awareness and understanding.

If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com or visit her website at patriciakasper.com.

To get involved with Dr. Petrenko's research, visit:
My Health Coach App study:
• Sign up here: https://redcap.link/6mg9srra
• 2-min video explaining study: https://youtu.be/mk5stwb8COg
• Email: myhealthcoach@urmc.rochester.edu
FMF Connect Pro Study (Mental Health Providers – US only)
• Mental health therapists and trainees who work with children ages 3 to 12 and their families
• No prior knowledge or experience with FASD required!
• Providers receive accessible trainings on how to screen and diagnose FASD and support families using the FMF Connect app
• Receive free continuing education credits for participating in training
• To learn more: https://providers.fmfconnect.com/
• Email: fmfconnect@urmc.rochester.edu
Nursing Study (NP program directors)
Needs assessment survey with directors of Nurse Practitioner training programs across the US.
Results will help inform development of accessible training materials for NP trainees
For more information: lynn_cole@urmc.rochester.edu
FASD Stigma Documentary.
Aiming for release September 2025. We’re working on raising the last $50k to film final shots, add animation, and put on finishing touches. Reach out christie_petrenko@urmc.rochester.edu with any ideas for last fundraising push, showings, or distribution.

#MyHealthCoach #FASD #DrChristiePetrenko #ThriveProgram #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorders #Advocacy #Research #LivingWithFASD