FAQ About the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act

Historic Win for the Down Syndrome Community: DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act Passes the House

We are thrilled to share a monumental victory with our GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation community. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives! This critical legislation is a significant step forward in ensuring that people with Down syndrome receive the medical care, groundbreaking research, and resources they deserve.

What Is the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act?

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act, named in honor of DeOndra Dixon—an inspiring advocate and beloved sister of Jamie Foxx—focuses on expanding the reach and funding of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) INCLUDE Project (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome). This project is vital for advancing research that will improve health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome, particularly around co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s, leukemia, and congenital heart defects..

Why This Matters

This legislation represents more than just policy—it symbolizes a commitment from our elected officials to better understand and support the Down syndrome community. Research enabled by the INCLUDE Project will lead to breakthroughs in treatment and care, benefiting not only individuals with Down syndrome but also the broader population by uncovering links between Down syndrome and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers.

What the House Passage Means

The bill’s passage in the House means we are one step closer to increasing funding for life-changing research. It reflects the hard work of advocates, families, researchers, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to bring attention to the needs of the Down syndrome community.

While the passage in the House is a huge milestone, the work is not done. The bill must now make its way through the Senate. GLOBAL and our allies are working tirelessly to ensure that the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act gets the support it needs in the Senate to become law.

What’s Next?

As the bill moves to the Senate, our work is far from over. We need continued support from advocates like you to ensure that the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act becomes law. Stay tuned for updates and action steps on how you can help get this legislation across the finish line.

Get Involved

Your voice is powerful! Here are three ways you can help:

1. Contact your Senators – Urge them to support the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act.
2. Spread the word – Share this exciting news on social media using #INCLUDEAct and #DownSyndromeResearch.

Stay connected– Follow GLOBAL for updates on the progress of this bill and other advocacy efforts.