DSMIG-USA WINS AWARD FOR PROJECT ECHO PROGRAM 

INDIANAPOLIS (December 11, 2023) - The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA (DSMIG-USA) was honored with an Award of Excellence at the Indiana Society of Association Executives 22nd Annual Star Awards. The awards program recognizes associations for demonstrating excellence in innovation, membership programs, community service and more.  

The award was given to DSMIG-USA in the category of Impactful Technology for its Project ECHO program. Project ECHO is a monthly virtual meeting for health care providers to learn and share information about the care of people with Down syndrome. The program is provided at no cost to health care providers. 

“Down Syndrome ECHO has been a huge success for our community over the last year,” Emilie Perkins, Executive Director of DSMIG-USA, said. “The program allows health care professionals and experts from around the world to connect and problem solve to find solutions on how to provide the best possible care for individuals with Down syndrome.” 

In Down Syndrome ECHO sessions, health care providers present de-identified case studies about the care of a person with Down syndrome. After the presentation, discussion opens to DSMIG-USA expert panel who can ask questions and provide ideas and input on the case.  

Each Down Syndrome ECHO meeting also includes a 15-minute didactic session, where a DSMIG-USA member presents on a relevant topic related to Down syndrome research.  

DSMIG-USA recently released the new session schedule for upcoming Project ECHO meetings in 2024. Health care providers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to attend. These may include physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, nurses, therapists, and others. We encourage people with Down syndrome and their families to share information about Project ECHO with their health care providers. The full schedule is available online at www.dsmig-usa.org/project-echo. To stay up to date on all upcoming Project ECHO sessions, you can also follow DSMIG-USA on Facebook and LinkedIn.  

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About the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA 

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA is a group of health professionals committed to promoting the optimal health care and wellness of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) across the lifespan. For more information, visit www.dsmig-usa.org.