Posted: | January 20, 2017 10:22 AM |
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From: | Representative Jim Marshall |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution designating March 21, 2017 as "World Down Syndrome Day" |
I plan to introduce a House Resolution recognizing March 21, 2017 as “World Down Syndrome Day” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Down syndrome is a common genetic condition that occurs in approximately one in every 800 births. There are more than 400,000 people of various ethnic, religious and socioeconomic groups with Down syndrome living in the United States. While individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, advances in treatments enable them to lead healthy lives. Life expectancy for individuals with this condition has increased from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age today. Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical and occupational therapies and quality education programs enable people with Down syndrome to adapt and thrive. The date for World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome. Thank you and I hope you will consider joining me in support of this legislation. |
Introduced as HR21