FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDSS Contact:
Michelle Sagan
301-728-0447
NDSS SUPPORTS DISABILITY-FOCUSED CLINIC IN SECURING $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING
Washington, DC (October, 22, 2024) – With the support of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Cincinnati Health recently received $3 million in Congressional directed spending from the United States Congress. The funds will be used to significantly expand the clinic allowing them to continue serving the over 1,200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities they currently see and expand their reach to serve even more patients. The clinic will also begin providing a broader range of services beyond primary care including behavioral health and psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, dietary support, social work, care coordination, and more.
NDSS supported the effort to secure the funds through grassroots activation and direct Congressional advocacy. Over 1,500 advocates throughout the state of Ohio engaged in advocacy efforts in support of the request, including several of the state’s local Down syndrome affiliate organizations. These efforts align with NDSS’ commitment to expanding access to primary and specialized care for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities and the strong partnership with the Freeman Center.
“The work being done by the Freeman Center is groundbreaking and the center continues to serve as a model for clinics and providers all over the country,” says NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard. “We are thrilled that the center will be receiving these well-deserved funds to continue providing critical care and support to their patients with Down syndrome and other disabilities. We are thankful to Senator Sherrod Brown for securing these funds and to the faculty and staff of the Freeman Center for the important work they do.”
"NDSS has been a critical partner in our effort to advance healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities. We are grateful for their advocacy and Senator Sherrod Brown's support that has made our expansion possible,” says Lauren Wang, MD, Director of UC Health’s Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities. “We are hopeful the work we are doing in Cincinnati and in partnership with NDSS inspires other academic health systems throughout the country to elevate healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities."
The new and expanded center is scheduled to open in 2025 on Victory Parkway in Cincinnati, OH.
For more information on the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, please visit freemancenter.org. For more information on NDSS’ advocacy efforts, please visit https://ndss.org/advocacy.
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About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.