Resources for families with pre or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome

During the 2016 legislative session, House Bill 2403 passed requiring nurses and other healthcare providers to share information with parents who have received a pre or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.  (http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2015-16/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2403.SL.pdf)

 

The Department of Health Screening and Genetics Unit is pleased to inform you that Lettercase, housed in the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky, prepared a booklet entitled “Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis.” This booklet, printed in English and Spanish, is endorsed by professional and advocacy organizations alike.

 

When you have a family whose child is newly diagnosed with Down syndrome, you can request a copy for free through Lettercase (www.lettercase.org) or by emailing us at genetics@doh.wa.gov. This booklet is also available for free online including additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian, and Spanish:  http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/InfantsandChildren/HealthandSafety/GeneticServices/DownSyndrome.

 

We also created a list of local organizations in Washington, northern Oregon, and western Idaho that support people with Down syndrome and their families. It is provided as an attachment, and can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/InfantsandChildren/HealthandSafety/GeneticServices/DownSyndrome.

 

Please contact Genetics@doh.wa.gov if you have any additional questions about this new regulation.