We're Here for You

To Our Strong and Resilient IBD Community:

We know you’ve heard a ton about coronavirus (COVID-19) – since we are a community who cares, we wanted you to know we are here for you. We are in this together, and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

To update you on our upcoming events: we have made the decision that it is in the best interest of our community to postpone the education programs follow all CDC, World Health Organization, and local health authority recommendations regarding travel and public gatherings for our events in May & June. No changes have been made at this time, and we continue to get excited for our Take Steps walks in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.

While our in-person support groups are not meeting currently, there are a number of online support options, including:

Support Groups & Building Local Community

• If a support group is something you’re interested in, here’s the link to our local groups: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/dc/support-groups.
• Peer-to-peer options, and if support groups are not available in your area...Consider our Power of Two Program
• Specific resources for college students managing IBD can be found on Campus Connection
•  There is an online community forum as well

** stay tuned for more information on virtual support options and events that we are planning for the next few weeks!

Attend one of our future events! Meet others & get involved!

Our Take Steps walks are all about building community and highlighting the resources, strength, and best parts of our IBD patients, caregivers, allies, and supporters. These events are free to attend and allow you to engage with our community and consider helping to support our mission. We continue to monitor all guidelines and updates regarding coronavirus, so if any changes are made we will let you know.

• Take Steps Northern Virginia – 5/16
• Take Steps Richmond – 5/17
• Take Steps Washington, D.C. @ Nat's Park –   6/13
• Our patient education symposium was postponed and will be moving virtual; more details TBD
• We hold Young Professionals events throughout the year; sign-up for our newsletter here and join our Facebook group
• spin4 crohn’s & colitis cures dc – 9/26
• TopGolf Richmond – 10/16
• The Great Gutsby Gala @ the Italian Embassy – 11/14

Every person with IBD is different and some in our community may be more vulnerable or have specific questions. Here are some additional resources that may be helpful to you, family, and friends in the IBD community:

• We are working with our medical advisors to create custom information for IBD patients, which is being updated regularly as we get new information.  You can follow these updates on our website here.
• Contact the IBD Help Center – Information and resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. They can be reached at 888-694-8872, extension 8 (M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) or at [email protected]. You can also chat live with a specialist (available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5.pm. EST)
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Cover your nose and mouth if you have to sneeze or cough. And use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Please stay home if you are sick.
• If you need to see a doctor, work with a medical professional to discuss transportation options. Per the CDC, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect you may have it, you should not use ridesharing, public transportation, or taxis.
• Stay informed. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are updating their sites with the latest information.

Wishing you the best,

Greater D.C./VA Staff