Preventative Healthcare

Each year, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) issues its Preventative Health Care Guidelines. The guidelines reinforce that individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD) require the same preventative screenings as the general population.

Highlights in the guidelines include:

• How often to schedule:

• • Behavioral health screenings (depression, self-harm, suicide risk, substance use, dementia)
  • Cancer screenings (breast, cervical, prostate, skin, colorectal)
  • Cardiovascular and endocrine health (EKG, lipid profile, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension)
  • Mobility and fall risk assessments, particularly for those with physical impairments or neurological conditions
  • Oral and sensory health evaluations, including vision, hearing, and dental care plans
  • Reproductive and sexual health screening, with an emphasis on consent, education, and abuse prevention
• Vaccination protocols, based on CDC guidance, with considerations for immune compromise (e.g., Down syndrome)
• Medication regimen reviews, particularly for residents in certified settings
• Toolkits and clinical resources to optimize care delivery and ensure equity

A second tool for health screenings is the MyHealthfinder Tool. Managed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH), just enter your age and sex, and MyHealthfinder will give you a list of screenings, testing, and topics to discuss with your doctor.