Albert Pujols opens new adult Down syndrome center at St. Luke's Hospital

KSDK -- It's a medical center unlike any other in Missouri and bears the name of one of baseball's greatest players.

The Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome opened at St. Luke's Hospital's Desloge Outpatient Center Wednesday night.  There was a grand celebration, with the Cardinals slugger and his wife on hand to mark the special occasion.

Pujols and his wife, who have a daughter with Down syndrome, also lead the Pujols Family Foundation, which promotes awareness and helps meet the needs of families and children who live with Down syndrome.

Pujols designated an award from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to help open the non-profit center at the hospital.  St. Luke's started plans to build the center after receiving community feedback indicating a growing need for wellness services for adults with Down syndrome.

The center offers nutrition services, exercise therapy, social services and more for patients 17 or older.

Go to www.stlukes-stl.com/services/wellness_center/index.html for more information on the center.