The University of North Carolina (UNC) has opened a new Down syndrome clinic in Chapel Hill to provide specialized care and support to both children and adults with Down syndrome.
The clinic will offer a “collaborative team of experts across multiple specialties, ensuring that each child receives tailored medical, developmental, and therapeutic support under one roof.” Some of the services families can expect to receive include medical, hearing, and vision screenings; clinical trials; therapy and developmental assessments; nutrition counseling; and family support. The facility will also offer training for primary care providers.
“I have experienced first-hand the immense love and joy that comes with raising a child with Down syndrome, as well as the unique challenges that families navigate,” Dr. Westmoreland said. “Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive space where individuals with Down syndrome can receive comprehensive, compassionate medical care tailored just for them. We look forward to walking alongside families, providing care coordination and advocacy to help every individual thrive.”
Westmoreland reportedly saw the need for a comprehensive clinic after struggling to navigate medical care for her own young daughter.
“It’s one of the only clinics where a mother is the medical director and also provides care to patients,” she said. “So, I have a unique perspective of understanding what it’s like to be a mom of a child with Down syndrome and to advocate for children with Down syndrome.”
The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (NCDSA) offered $100,000 towards the clinic’s opening.
“Every person with Down syndrome deserves access to healthcare that improves their quality of life,” said NCDSA Executive Director Amy Navejas. “One of our key objectives as an organization is to make this dream a reality for NC families.”
The UNC Down Syndrome Clinic held its grand opening earlier this week and will open to the public on Friday, in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day.
