1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, federal legislation that would significantly advance research and care for people with Down syndrome. Currently, people with Down syndrome face substantial gaps in medical research and healthcare access. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act addresses these disparities by establishing a comprehensive federal initiative focused on Down syndrome research, medical care, and data collection. This legislation would coordinate efforts across federal agencies to better understand the health needs of individuals with Down syndrome and develop evidence-based treatments. Research reveals troubling disparities within the Down syndrome community that demand urgent attention. Minorities with Down syndrome, particularly Black and Asian individuals, experience significantly shorter lifespans compared to their white counterparts. My 14-year-old nephew, who is Black and Filipino, represents a highly underrepresented population in Down syndrome research. Without targeted federal investment in studying these health disparities, we cannot identify the underlying causes or develop interventions to close this gap. The INCLUDE Project Act would prioritize research into why racial and ethnic minorities with Down syndrome face worse health outcomes and shorter lives, ensuring that medical advances benefit all people with Down syndrome equally. Organizations like the Global Down Syndrome Foundation have demonstrated the impact of dedicated research through facilities like the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome. However, federal support is essential to expand this work nationwide and ensure all Americans with Down syndrome benefit from medical advances. The INCLUDE Project Act would create the infrastructure needed to translate research findings into improved clinical care and health outcomes. People with Down syndrome deserve the same access to quality healthcare and medical research as all Americans. This legislation represents a meaningful step toward health equity for a community that has historically been underserved by medical research. By co-sponsoring this act, you would demonstrate your commitment to ensuring that federal research priorities include all Americans, regardless of disability or race. I respectfully request that you add your name as a co-sponsor to the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. Your support would help advance critical research and improve the lives of thousands of your constituents living with Down syndrome and their families.