A Lifelong Commitment to Care for Adults with Down Syndrome

Philanthropic support is expanding access and services

Individuals with Down syndrome require specialized medical care, but finding knowledgeable providers, especially for adults with Down syndrome, can be difficult. The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health is bridging this gap by offering comprehensive, evidence-based services tailored to their needs. Thanks to the partnership with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the generosity of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic was established to provide essential care and dignity to a population often overlooked, and it continues to expand its reach, leading the way in adult care.

Comprehensive care tailored to the individual

The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic is more than a medical facility. Housed at Denver Health’s Federico F. Peña Southwest Family Health Center, it’s a community where patients receive holistic care that addresses their needs. From physical therapy to mental health services, the clinic provides a one-stop hub for adults with Down syndrome to access the specialized care they deserve.

Bryn Gelaro, Vice President of Research & Medica Care at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL), emphasizes the significance of comprehensive care.

“Our goal is to ensure that every adult with Down syndrome receives the full spectrum of services they need. It’s not just about addressing medical conditions—it’s about embracing person-centered care and supporting their overall well-being so they can live happy and healthy lives,” she said.

For patients, this means having a team of specialists who understand their unique medical needs, all working together to provide excellent and informed care. For their families, it means peace of mind knowing that their loved ones receive the highest standard of care.

Philanthropy’s vital role in expanding care

The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, which has been instrumental in funding the development of the clinic, and ensuring that the medical, therapeutic, and support services offered can grow to meet the needs of a larger community.

This philanthropic investment has an impact that reaches far beyond the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic itself. It fuels research initiatives that advance the understanding of Down syndrome ensuring the latest scientific insights inform medical care. Partnerships with GLOBAL and its affiliates, the Pediatric Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome allow Denver Health to be at the forefront of this research, providing a bridge between clinical care and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors for their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of adults with Down syndrome,” said Dr. Simon Hambidge, Chief Executive Officer of Denver Community Health Services (DCHS) and Chief Ambulatory Officer at Denver Health. “Their generosity enables us to provide essential, comprehensive care today while also supporting innovations that will shape the future of care for this community.”

A vision for the future

The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic has exciting plans for growth. With service expansions on the horizon, including the addition of specialized dental care and the potential to serve out-of-state and international patients, Denver Health is committed to ensuring that adults with Down syndrome receive equitable, exceptional care—no matter where they come from.

The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic’s vision is not just about growing in size, but also in impact. By continuing to collaborate with philanthropic partners and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Denver Health aims to create a national model for adult Down syndrome care that integrates clinical services with research and community support. This vision is driven by the belief that adults with Down syndrome deserve the same level of care and attention as any other patient.

As the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic grows and adapts, sustained philanthropic support remains crucial. Each donation supports the expansion of current services and ensures the long-term sustainability of the clinic’s mission. The goal is clear: to create a place where adults with Down syndrome can thrive and access the care they need to live their best lives.

Join Denver Health Foundation in transforming lives

The Adult Down Syndrome Clinic is just one example of how philanthropy can transform health care for underserved populations. With your help, Denver Health can continue to build on this foundation and ensure that every adult with Down syndrome receives the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.

“Every donation directly impacts the care Denver Health provides,” said Crystal Potter Rivera, Executive Director at Denver Health Foundation. “Your support allows us to expand services, improve outcomes, and give adults with Down syndrome the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Every gift to Denver Health Foundation fuels this transformative work, ensuring that all Denver residents have access to the care they deserve. Your support can make a world of difference. To learn how you can be a part of this mission, visit the Denver Health Foundation’s donation page today.

We are deeply grateful to our donors for their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of adults with Down syndrome. Their generosity enables us to provide essential, comprehensive care today while also supporting innovations that will shape the future of care for this community.

Dr. Simon Hambidge

Chief Executive Officer, Denver Community Health Services (DCHS) & Chief Ambulatory Officer, Denver Health

A Lifelong Commitment to Care for Adults with Down Syndrome

In this Story:

Comprehensive care tailored to the individual

Philanthropy’s vital role in expanding care

A vision for the future

Join Denver Health Foundation in transforming lives

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