Governor Quinn Announces $1.3 Million to Expand Adult Down Syndrome Center

SKOKIE - October 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $1.3 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding to expand the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. The project will significantly increase access to comprehensive care for Illinois residents with Down syndrome. The funding will allow the center to double the size of its current facility, which serves approximately 4,500 patients annually.

“As people with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives, the need for services is increasing in Illinois and throughout the country,” said Governor Quinn. “These capital funds help ensure that those with Down syndrome will get the care they need to live healthy and productive lives in Illinois.”

Advocate’s Adult Down Syndrome Center primarily serves people with Down Syndrome that are 12 years of age and older. The center is a national model for medical care for adults with Down syndrome and the only center of its kind in the Midwest. The facility provides services to approximately 4,500 patients each year.

The funding will help the Adult Down Syndrome Center expand the number of exam rooms from four to seven. It will also add a community room, which will be an important resource for education, support group meetings and other services for patients and families.

“I am proud to support Advocate’s Adult Down Syndrome Center in my district. The expansion of the center will address the growing demand for these specialized services and serve as an example of the state’s investment in programs that positively impact the lives of patients and their families,” said Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge).

“Advocate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center presents a national model of medical care for adults with Down syndrome, a jewel within the state of Illinois. We are thrilled to be able to expand our capacity to help meet the medical and psycho-social needs of more patients and families,” said Dr. Brian Chicoine, Medical Director, Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center.

Governor Quinn made today’s announcement at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s annual volunteer luncheon. The project is slated to begin in the spring of 2011 and will be completed later that year. The project will go through the local zoning process and be reviewed by the city of Park Ridge before construction can begin.