Veterans with chronic intestinal diseases find hope and help through new support group

For this year’s World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) day on May 19^th, Veterans have a new way to receive support.

IBD collectively refers to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and inflammation of the colon which can lead to painful ulcers, among other symptoms. Research indicates an estimated 66,000 Veterans live with IBD. The good news is that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) partner Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recently launched an online support group for Veterans with IBD.

“As Veterans seek care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) healthcare system, they need to learn how to be their own health advocate,” said Catherine Soto, Senior Director, Patient Education & Support for the Foundation.

Click here to read more on the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships website.