The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation serves families living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis -collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support.

Contact Information

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter 
1885 University Ave. West
Suite 355
St. Paul, MN 55104

Telephone: (651) 917-2424   

Toll-free: 1-888-422-3266
Fax: 651-917-2425
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web site: www.ccfa.org

About Crohn's Disease/Colitis

Crohn's disease and colitis are serious, chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's disease usually causes diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, often fever, and at times, rectal bleeding. Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss may also occur. The diseases manifest themselves in acute flare-ups alternating with remission.

Facts and Figures

• There are more than 1,000,000 diagnosed cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the United States equally split between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• According to a 1990 study, the medical costs of IBD in the U.S. totaled $1.4-$1.8 billion annually.
• Lost labor productivity due to IBD is estimated to be $0.4-$0.8 billion annually. (This makes the total annual cost of IBD $1.8-$2.6 billion.)
• 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. 
• 30 percent of disease onset is between ages of 10 and 19.
• Surgery will be needed for 50-80 percent of the Crohn's disease patients.

Resources for Individuals and Caretakers

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter offers a wide variety of resources for persons with Crohn's disease/colitis and their caretakers. Those resources include: 

Employee/Individuals Resources

• Support groups in metro area and outside of it.
• Visitation Program: trained volunteers who have been matched with identified characteristics provide one-to-one support in person, by phone, or in hospital.
• Educational materials including pamphlets, videos, and books. Topics include:
  - Q & A about Crohn's disease.
  - Q & A about ulcerative colitis.
  - Understanding colorectal cancer.
  - Diet and nutrition.
  - Women's issues.
  - Teacher's guide.
  - Guide for children and teenagers.
  - Emotional factors. 
• Summer camp for ages 7-17.
• Peer-to-Peer Program that connects a newly diagnosed patient with a similarly-aged patient who has been affected. 

Caregiver Resources

• Support groups in metro area and outside of it.
• Educational materials including pamphlets, videos, and books. Topics include:
  - Q & A about Crohn's disease.
  - Q & A about ulcerative colitis.
  - Understanding colorectal cancer. 
  - Diet and nutrition. 
  - Women's issues. 
  - Teacher's guide. 
  - Guide for children and teenagers. 
  - Emotional factors.
  

Resources for Employers and Communities 

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter offers the following resources for employers and the community at large:

Employer Resources

• Presentations: 
  - Nutrition. 
  - Dealing with school issues related to IBD. 
  - Q & A about IBD.
• Health fairs participations.
• Educational materials such as pamphlets and books. 
• Education for healthcare professionals.

Community Resources

• Panel presentations.
• Speakers. 
• Public education sessions.