Posted: | October 2, 2018 02:39 PM |
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From: | Senator Scott Martin |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | October 2018 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating October 2018 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Down syndrome is a common genetic condition in which an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. There are an estimated 400,000 individuals living with Down syndrome in the United States and approximately 6,000 babies born with Down syndrome every year. Advances in medicine have enabled people with Down syndrome to lead long and healthy lives. Life expectancy for these individuals has increased from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age today. With early intervention, therapies, quality education and support from families and their communities, individuals with Down syndrome adapt and thrive. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as SR464