PRINTER'S NO. 2080
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
403
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, AUMENT, MENSCH, BROWNE, PHILLIPS-HILL,
ARNOLD, BARTOLOTTA, J. WARD, LANGERHOLC, BROOKS, KILLION,
SCAVELLO, HUTCHINSON, GORDNER, YUDICHAK, PITTMAN, COSTA,
DINNIMAN AND FONTANA, OCTOBER 14, 2020
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, OCTOBER 14, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of October 2020 as "Down Syndrome
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in
approximately 1 in every 707 births; and
WHEREAS, The most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21,
is due to an error in cell division just prior to or during
conception, with the 21st chromosome dividing in three instead
of two, resulting in 47 chromosomes per cell instead of 46; and
WHEREAS, According to the most recent estimates of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2008 there
were more than 250,000 individuals of various ethnic, racial,
religious and socioeconomic groups with Down syndrome living in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to advances in medical treatments and
continuing research, life expectancy for individuals with Down
syndrome has increased from 10 years in 1960 to 47 years in 2007
according to the most recent CDC estimates; and
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WHEREAS, Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical and
occupational therapies and quality education programs enable
individuals with Down syndrome to adapt and thrive; and
WHEREAS, With interventions, programs and the support of
family and community, individuals with Down syndrome attend
school and participate in postsecondary opportunities, with many
going on to college, obtaining full-time employment, entering
into marriage and fully participating in their communities;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of October 2020
as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania, recognizing
the positive contributions of individuals with Down syndrome and
their families.
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