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Pennsylvania State Senate
08/16/2024 05:30 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20230&chamber=S&cosponId=42248
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: March 6, 2024 04:05 PM
From: Senator Scott Martin
To: All Senate members
Subject: Designating March 21, 2024, as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania
 
In the near future, I will reintroduce a resolution designating March 21, 2024, as “World Down Syndrome Day” in Pennsylvania. 
 
Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions in the world.  Individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, which alters the course of development for those diagnosed. This results in a myriad of recognizable physical features and health characteristics. Thanks to modern medicine, treatments and services, these issues no longer hinder these individuals from living full lives to their greatest potential.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are three types of Down syndrome that visibly present themselves similarly: Trisomy 21, Translocation Down syndrome and Mosaic Down syndrome. The most updated statistic from the CDC suggests that the number of children born in the United States with the diagnosis continues to remain at approximately 1 in every 700. This makes Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition in the country as well.
 
Due to advances in medicine and long-term care, the number of individuals with Down syndrome has continued to rise with many individuals across the world now living past the age of 50.  This life expectancy is even higher for those living in the United States due to changing attitudes towards the diagnosis.  This shows that when given the opportunities associated with early intervention, therapies, quality education and support from families and the community, individuals with Down syndrome can adapt and thrive. 
 
This resolution will help educate the public on Down syndrome and highlight the fact that these individuals have gone on to be productive, influential and inspirational members of societies across the world. 
 
Please consider joining me in co-sponsoring this resolution.