The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is organizing the first National Inflammatory Bowel Disease Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 17th and Wednesday, June 18th. The CCFA states the two goals of the conference are “To educate IBD patients, family members and medical professionals about federal health care policy and legislation of interest to the IBD community” and “To visit with members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives in support of the “Inflammatory Bowel Disease Act.”
Formal events in Washington will take place between 1PM on Tuesday and 3:30 PM Wednesday. Events include: scientific updates, issues briefing by advocacy experts, awards dinner, legislative briefings and congressional visits.
The Congressional Awards Dinner will honor co-sponsors of the IBD Bill, and be hosted by former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley and her husband, talk show host Gary Collins. Other guests scheduled to attend include Rolf Benirschke, former place-kicker for the San Diego Chargers, Chris Gedney, former tight end for the Arizona Cardinals, and Peter Nielsen, former Mr. USA.
Guides will be available to escort participants around the Washington area to their scheduled appointments with legislators. Prior to meeting with representatives, participants will undergo a training session on how to make the visit a success.
The IBD Bill, S. 2562, was put forward by Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Thad Cochran (R-MS). This landmark legislation is the first IBD-specific bill ever introduced in the U.S. Congress.” If passed, the bill would accomplish three major goals for people who suffer from IBD:
- Increase research on IBD by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
- Create a national program of prevention and epidemiology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Study the standards for coverage by disability insurance as well as medicare, medicaid, and private insurance for IBD-related treatments.
Learn more about the event, housing, and how to register for the event by visiting the CCFA’s web site.
If you are unable to travel to the event, you may still write to your state senators and representatives in support of the IBD Bill. The CCFA has made sample letters available for you to print, sign and mail to your representatives in Washington. The full text of the IBD Bill is also available at the CCFA's web site.
