Designating October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and supporting the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Designating October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome; Whereas Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races, and economic levels and is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality; Whereas the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age in 2019; Whereas people with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, can vote, and contribute to society in many ways; Whereas advancements in education, medical care, and research and advocacy, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome to live healthy and fulfilling lives; Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome should receive the education and support they need to understand the condition and acquire new hope for the future of their children; Whereas there are lifespan and health care disparities for minorities, such as African Americans with Down syndrome, that should be understood and addressed; Whereas people with Down syndrome have a dramatically different health profile than other individuals, as people with Down syndrome are predisposed to develop major diseases (such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and Alzheimers disease) and may be protected from other major diseases (such as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, and stroke); Whereas advancing research and medical care for people with Down syndrome can not only increase life expectancy and improve health outcomes for this unique population, but also holds great promise for treating and perhaps curing life-threatening diseases affecting millions of other people in the United States; Whereas people with Down syndrome should have access to health care providers who have easy access to updated, evidence-based medical care guidelines for children and adults with the condition; Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act ( Public Law 110374 Whereas promoting the acceptance and inclusion of individuals born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition, will help those individuals achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives; Whereas, on September 28, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a joint resolution ( Public Law 98437 National Downs Syndrome Month Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of people with Down syndrome, the valuable contributions of people with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within their communities, and the importance of the individual freedom and independence of people with Down syndrome should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month; (3) celebrates the significant contributions that people with Down syndrome make to their families, their communities, and the United States; (4) is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down syndrome; (5) supports the advancement of scientific and medical research on Down syndrome at the National Institutes of Health, including through the INCLUDE project, focused on improving health outcomes for people with the condition; and (6) encourages awareness and education regarding Down syndrome, including for new and expectant parents.

Summary: This resolution (1) designates October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month; (2) supports the health, well-being, and dignity of all people with Down syndrome; (3) encourages the advancement of research about Down syndrome; and (4) acknowledges the contributions that people with Down syndrome and their families make in their communities.