This is an outrage: Recent data shows people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are almost six times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people without ID — and yet they’re not on the priority list for the vaccine in many U.S. states and many countries around the world.
It’s shocking and devastating to think that in 2021, people with ID still face significant challenges in accessing quality health care services. They face severe health disparities and reduced life expectancy because of barriers like fear, discrimination, and lack of training.
At Special Olympics, we’re committed to putting an end to this inequality for good, but we need urgent support from people like you to help us ramp up our efforts during the pandemic. In honor of World Health Day, your gift of $25 will be DOUBLED to $50 to support inclusive health, fitness and sports programs for athletes everywhere. Rush your gift to get it matched before midnight >>
World Health Day is a key moment to recognize that everyone has the right to good health. Thanks to the support of this community, Special Olympics puts this belief into action all year-round through our inclusive health efforts. We train thousands of health care professionals to treat people with ID. We hold programs every day that work to improve healthy lifestyle, fitness, and emotional well-being during COVID and beyond. And most recently, we’re combating vaccine myths, helping athletes get vaccine appointments, and educating athletes and their families on continued COVID-19 protection and prevention.
Your MATCHED gift today will strengthen this work and help us increase inclusive practices in health and wellness systems around the world. You can help an athlete who’s needed eyeglasses for years get his first routine screening. You can help a doctor learn how best to communicate and treat her patients with ID. You can help an entire Special Olympics team feel accepted and cared for on the field, in their community, and at the doctor’s office.
Friend, if you believe people with ID deserve every opportunity to be healthy, please rush your gift before midnight to see it go TWICE as far for athletes everywhere >>
Thank you,
Your friends at Special Olympics
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