Governor Tate Reeves has issued a proclamation naming Tuesday, March 21, 2023, as Down Syndrome Awareness Day across Mississippi, aligning with World Down Syndrome Day.
Each year, organizations across the state promote the awareness of the over 400,000 people in the U.S. that are diagnosed with Down Syndrome on March 21, sharing information and aid to those interested in learning more.
In his proclamation, Reeves names the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the Little Light House of Central Mississippi as two nonprofits that have massive outreach programs throughout the Magnolia State.
Reeves states that NDSS “envisions a world in which all people with Down Syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.”
The Little Light House of Central Mississippi, a Jackson-based development center that provides tuition-free education to those with special needs, aims to address “the child’s physical ability, wellness, mind, and community in a year-round program that promotes systemic, long-term, healthy change.”
The proclamation also mentions that the life expectancy for individuals that are diagnosed with Down Syndrome has doubled within the past 25 years, thanks to numerous organizations and programs that focus on providing assistance and support to those in need.
To see the full proclamation, continue reading below.
We should love, support, and appreciate our fellow Mississippians with Down syndrome.
Together we can ensure their acceptance as valued members of our communities. I declared tomorrow Down syndrome awareness day to help further this goal! pic.twitter.com/iSux8dCxgS
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 21, 2023
