Commissioners proclaim October Down Syndrome Awareness Month; Centre Region group details Oct. 25 Buddy Walk

The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month for Centre County and 13 neighboring counties represented by the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society.

Eric (last name not specified), representing the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society, described the group's roughly 20-year history serving families across 14 counties in central Pennsylvania. He said the nonprofit provides equipment grants, funds recreational and therapeutic classes such as horseback riding, supports Special Olympics volunteer coaching, and helps newly formed families with information and peer support.

Eric invited the public to the society’s annual Buddy Walk fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Delta High School on Westerly Parkway in State College. He said activities run from 2 to 5 p.m., with the symbolic walk beginning about 3:30 p.m., and listed planned attractions including bounce houses, a science activity area, an art room, food and music. He also said a tattoo artist will offer paid tattoos with proceeds to the organization and that face painting will be available for those who prefer nonpermanent options.

The board took the proclamation by voice vote. Commissioners and staff praised the group’s regional outreach; one commissioner noted Governor Shapiro had issued a statewide proclamation as well.

Why it matters: The group’s services — from mobility assistance to social programming and employment through partners such as Strawberry Fields’ Good Day Cafe — serve families with Down syndrome across a broad rural region where local supports can be limited.

Background and next steps: The board’s proclamation formalizes county recognition of awareness month. The society asked the public to register or attend the Oct. 25 Buddy Walk; no county funds or directives were approved during the meeting.