Latest news with #Downsyndrome
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Calera program aims to help law enforcement responses
CALERA, Ala. (WIAT) — A new program in Calera aims to help first responders provide better care for the community. The C.A.R.E. Network stands for Calera Awareness and Response for Everyone. A Calera dispatcher designed it to help give better responses to those with mental illnesses and disabilities. 'I've worked at a few different law enforcement agencies, but that's one thing I've always felt was a need was a way that we could communicate and maintain our safety and our relationships with our entire community, including our special needs community,' said Jessica Davis, the brain behind the C.A.R.E. Network. C.A.R.E. gives people in the community the ability to fill out a form for the police and fire departments letting them know of any mental illnesses or disabilities. This includes anything from Alzheimer's disease to autism spectrum disorder to Down syndrome to mobility, hearing, vision and speech impairments. By filling the application out, dispatchers can let police officers and firefighters know exactly what they'll be walking in to. 'It's went further so far than I originally anticipated it to,' Davis said. 'Within an hour and a half [on the first day], I believe, we had over 20 applicants for the program and then now, I've had a few different agencies, other law enforcement agencies, reach out to me about how we went about setting this program up and the things that we're doing now to get it out there and make sure our citizens know about it.' Parties react to Sen. Tommy Tuberville's run for governor of Alabama Calera Police Chief David Hyche was immediately on board with Davis' idea. For him, this program is personal. 'I have a special needs daughter, and I remember when she was younger, a big concern that my wife and I had was that if we had a tragic event happen at our house or in the vehicle, law enforcement or fire services might not know how to communicate with her,' Hyche said. 'She's blind and autistic, so a firefighter in their gear or a police officer, it would be unusual sounds and touch, and the feel and the sound of a firefighter in turnout gear would be like a monster to her.' Hyche said it's voluntary to fill out the C.A.R.E. Network application, and information is kept private in the system. 'The more information we can have here at the police department, the better and the safer for everyone,' he said. 'It's really used just to make it safer for both the officers as well as the families.' Hyche said he's already talked with some lawmakers and hopes to see this program go statewide. 'My daughter was a part of several different organizations, and I've been around a lot of autistic adults and children,' Hyche said. 'I could see how their misinterpretation of signals could be seen by law enforcement as aggressive or hostile, and the law enforcement officer might not know any different. These are absolutely signals that 'I am in danger,' when in reality it might just be the way that the autistic person responds to certain stimuli.' If you would like to be a part of the C.A.R.E. Network, you can fill out an application here or in person at the Calera Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Planning for Your Baby's Health: Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening and Stem Cell Collection Insights
Parenthood is a memorable journey filled with hopes and dreams for your baby's future. Early pregnancy health checks for your baby are now possible with the latest medical innovations, and even protect their future with special cells collected at birth. Two essential services many parents are choosing today are: Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) — to check your baby's health early. — to check your baby's health early. Stem cell collection — to preserve life-saving cells from your baby's umbilical cord. Whether you're doing a simple prenatal test or planning to collect stem cells, First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory makes the process smooth, clear, and supportive. Non-invasive prenatal screening is a safe and simple test that helps determine whether your baby might have certain genetic conditions. NIPS helps give you peace of mind and more time to make decisions, especially if further testing or support is needed. Here's what makes NIPS a considerable decision by parents: It's done with a simple blood test from the mother — no risk to the baby. You can take the test as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. It looks for common chromosome conditions like: Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 Some sex chromosome disorders It provides accurate and early results, usually within 5 to 10 days. NIPS benefits parents who want more information about their baby's health without the stress of invasive procedures. Many expecting parents now prefer NIPS because it's: Risk-Free – No risk of needles near the baby – No risk of needles near the baby Easy Process – Just a small blood draw from the mother – Just a small blood draw from the mother Fast Turnaround – Quick results to ease your worries – Quick results to ease your worries High-Accuracy – Highly accurate for detecting certain conditions – Highly accurate for detecting certain conditions Doctor-recommended – Trusted by medical experts around the world Stem cell collection is a special process that happens at birth. It involves collecting blood samples from the umbilical cord containing powerful stem cells. These cells are like building blocks, as they can grow into different types of healthy blood and immune cells. Doctors already use them to treat many serious illnesses. Conditions treated with stem cells include: Leukemia and some other cancers Conditions affecting the blood, including sickle cell anemia and thalassemia Immune system disorders Research is ongoing for conditions like cerebral palsy and diabetes Saving stem cells is a way of planning and giving your family more medical options in case of future illness. Here's why many families are choosing stem cell collection: It's a one-time chance — the umbilical cord can only be collected at birth. The process is safe and painless for both baby and mother. These stem cells could be used in future treatments. They're a valuable medical resource, just like a health safety net for your child. Choosing where to do these tests is just as crucial as deciding. FSG is a trusted medical lab that offers non-invasive prenatal screening and stem cell collection services. Accurate testing with the latest medical technology Fast results that you can count on A friendly support team to guide you through every step Safe and professional collection of stem cells at birth Help with insurance and flexible, affordable plans Access to genetic counseling if you have questions about your results A trusted and precise test to learn about your baby's health during the first weeks of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about getting NIPS. Visit a clinic or lab to give a blood sample. Wait 5–10 days for your results. Review the results with your doctor to understand the next steps. Sign up with FSG before your delivery. A trained professional collects the umbilical cord blood when your baby is born. The stem cells are safely stored in a secure facility. You'll receive confirmation that your child's stem cells are preserved for future use. Your baby's health begins before birth, and accurate insights give you more confidence to protect it. With non-invasive prenatal screening, you get valuable information early in your pregnancy. By choosing stem cell collection, you create a health resource that could be life-saving one day. Contact FSG today to learn more about our services, book your screening, or register for stem cell collection. With the support of a lab you can rely on, give your baby the healthiest possible start in life. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
'Under-recognised' foetal alcohol spectrum disorder a 'silent epidemic'
A British expert on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is warning that the condition is under-recognised, speaking ahead of a conference which takes place in Clare on Thursday. Raja Mukerjee is an adult learning disability consultant psychiatrist for Surrey, and Border's Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. He will address the conference being organised by FASD Ireland, which takes place in Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, from 9am on Thursday. 'Raising awareness and getting knowledge out there is really important, because FASD is something that is entirely avoidable. It's not that FASD is rare, it is that it is under-recognised,' Mr Mukerjee said. Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is an umbrella term for conditions which can be caused by drinking alcohol while pregnant. According to figures published by the World Health Organization in 2017, it is estimated that approximately 600 babies are born each year in Ireland with the syndrome. Ireland ranked third out of 187 countries for prevalence of the disorder, behind South Africa and Croatia. The HSE said in a briefing document in 2022 that the prevalence of the disorder in Ireland is estimated at between 2.8% and 7.4% of the population. It said the best available evidence estimates that about 600 Irish babies are born each year with foetal alcohol syndrome, 'with a further nine to 10 times this number of babies born annually in Ireland who have other foetal alcohol spectrum disorders'. It is also estimated that up to 380,000 people with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are currently living in Ireland. Disorder indicators Among the indicators of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are ADHD, low body weight, poor co-ordination, poor memory, attention difficulties, difficulties in school (particularly around maths), and learning disabilities. The chief executive of FASD Ireland, Tristan Casson-Rennie, said that the disorder is more prevalent than autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy combined, 'yet it is far less understood, recognised, or supported'. The conference aims to raise awareness, share and promote best practices, and drive the development of coordinated services across sectors. Describing the disorder as a 'silent epidemic', Mr Casson-Rennie added: 'With up to 7.4% of our population potentially affected, the need for national awareness, training, and support systems is fundamental. This conference is a call to action — for professionals, families, and policymakers alike — to come together and shape a more inclusive, informed future He said the conference is open to healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, community organisations, students, people living with the disorder, their families and carers, and anyone committed to improving the lives of people affected by FASD. Also speaking will be chartered psychologist specialising in positive psychology and health from Royal College for Surgeons Ireland, Dr Jolanta Burke; consultant paediatrician with a special interest in developmental paediatrics at Mullingar Regional Hospital, Prof Farhana Sharif; and the national lead at the alcohol and mental health and wellbeing programmes at HSE, Dr Aisling Sheehan. Families will also give their lived experiences of the disorder, along with people who themselves have it. Those wishing to attend the conference can access tickets at
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The group home system in NJ is flawed. See our year-long investigation
In New Jersey's group homes that provide round-the-clock care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the consequences are few, and the dangers are many. It's an estimated $1.5 billion system where staff are poorly paid and there are troubling lapses in care. A system where the state reacts slowly, if at all, to problems, and companies are allowed to expand even in the face of mounting concerns. A system where a lack of accountability can have devastating results for residents — people with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. To produce Hidden at Home, its investigative project that delves into the state's group home system that cares for more than 8,000 people, spent more than a year interviewing hundreds of family members, group home staff, providers, experts, advocates and residents with developmental disabilities, and reviewing tens of thousands of pages of documents. This article originally appeared on NJ group home system is flawed. See our full investigation
Business Upturn
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
United Coalition for Down Syndrome Condemns the Rise in the Use of the R-word
Denver, CO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CINCINNATI, DENVER, HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., WASHINGTON, D.C., WOBURN, Mass. – Today, the United Coalition for Down Syndrome is speaking out against the alarming resurgence of the 'R-word' in public discourse. At the same time, we are calling on individuals and organizations to take a stand, by pledging not to use this harmful slur. Numerous media outlets have reported a sharp increase in the word's usage across television, radio, podcasts, social media, and the internet. A recent study examining social media in January 2025 revealed a staggering 207.5% rise in posts containing the R-word on X alone – totaling 312,642 instances. Shockingly, there are some who believe its use is a 'great cultural victory.' We firmly reject that notion. The R-word is not a cultural triumph – it is a tool of marginalization. It dehumanizes people with Down syndrome and other disabilities and can contribute to mental distress and long-lasting harm. This type of language is rooted in the same prejudice that, for decades, led to people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities being placed in cruel and inhumane institutions such as Willowbrook, NY – a practice that continued well into the early 1990s. 'Being compared to people like me should be considered a badge of honor. No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much. And yet here we are in 2025 with some of the most influential people in our country, like naughty little boys with their first curse word, reviving the use of the R-word just to gain attention and, meanwhile, opening the floodgates to its popular use. I appreciate the United Coalition for Down Syndrome standing up for what is right, and I hope this goes a long way in educating people that using the R-word is like a little dagger jabbing at our dignity as human beings,' says Frank Stephens, a Special Olympics Global Messenger associated with the 'End the Word' campaign, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation board member. The United Coalition for Down Syndrome embraces and is grateful for the freedom of speech that defines our nation. But using that freedom to perpetuate a derogatory term aimed at one of society's most vulnerable populations is not bold – it's cowardly. Not everyone with an intellectual and developmental disability can push back against such slurs or exact any meaningful social cost on those who use them. We believe that the overwhelming majority of Americans want to do the right thing. The United Coalition for Down Syndrome urges everyone to make the conscious choice to leave this word behind. In exercising our freedom of speech, let's also choose compassion, dignity, and respect. These are lives worth celebrating – and our language should reflect that truth. Related Resources : GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers: Community Page; GiGi's Message on the R Word Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Words Can Hurt National Down Syndrome Congress: NDSC condemns the use of the 'R-word' and calls for respectful language National Down Syndrome Society: Preferred Language Guide; R-Word TikTok Video Special Olympics: Why the R-word is the R-Slur; Increase Usage of the R-word on Social Media About the United Coalition for Down Syndrome The United Coalition for Down Syndrome (UCDS) is a coalition of national Down syndrome organizations seeking to facilitate collective action and speak with a unified voice concerning critical issues that impact the Down syndrome community in the United States. UCDS is comprised of the following national organizations: GiGi's Playhouse Achievement Centers, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, LuMind IDSC, National Down Syndrome Congress, and National Down Syndrome Society. All of our organizations remain steadfastly non-partisan, focusing solely on the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
