Established in 1967, CCFA is the only private, non-profit national organization dedicated to finding the cause of, and cure for, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to providing support services and education for IBD patients and their loved ones.

Description and/or History:
The Greater New York Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America provides services in New York City's five boroughs for individuals affected by IBD. Programs include free educational materials for the general public; education seminars for physicians and lay audiences; monthly and weekly support groups; telephone support; physician referrals and a summer camp for children with IBD.
In 1972, the Foundation took its first step in patient education, publishing a brochure titled, 'Some Frequently Asked Questions About Ileitis and Colitis.' Brochures that covered specific topics, such as nutrition and pregnancy, followed. As chapters were formed they added educational seminars, hospital visitation programs, and aggressive fund-raising initiatives to the core of support group programs. Volunteers joined together to become dedicated 'families' with a lifetime commitment.

With National Headquarters located in New York City, CCFA now has a presence in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. These include 34 staffed chapters and 12 volunteer chapters and affiliates. Each chapter has a lay volunteer board of trustees and a chapter medical advisory committee. Nationally, the 140 full- and part-time staff is led by a President and Chief Executive Officer who works with the National Board of Trustees, National Scientific Advisory Committee, and various sub-committees to oversee the organization.

Contact people:

Cerlene L. Walker, Volunteer Coordinator, (212) 679-1570, (email) Michele Przypyszny, Executive Director, (212) 679-1570, (email)

Address:

386 Park Avenue South, 14th Floor New York, NY 10016 (See a map)