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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 6, 2019 03:27 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Scott Martin |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | World Down Syndrome Day in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating March 21, 2019 as “World Down Syndrome Day” in Pennsylvania. Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions in the world. Individuals diagnosed with it have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, which alters the course of their development. Some estimates suggest that over 6 million individuals worldwide are living with the diagnosis and a child born with Down syndrome occurs at a rate of approximately 1 in 1,100 live births. Advances in medicine and long-term care as well as shifts in societal attitudes towards the diagnosis have led to a dramatically increased lifespan for those with Down syndrome. The majority of these individuals across the world now live passed the age of 50, and the life expectancy is even higher for those living in the United States. When given the opportunities associated with early intervention, therapies, quality education and support from families and their communities, individuals with Down syndrome adapt and thrive. As a result, they have gone on to be productive, inspirational and influential members of societies across the globe. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as SR44