Today is National Celiac Disease Awareness Day

Thank You Senator Inhofe and Senator Nelson for introducing the Resolution. Thanks to the Senate for Passing this Resolution to benefit awareness.
US Senate Resolution 605, 111TH Congressional Sesssion; August 3, 2010


Participate in Celiac Awareness and to increase awareness of celiac disease worldwide. Here are some suggestions from the Celiac Sprue Association. As you know, this was the first organization of its kind when I was first diagnosed in the 1980s and was a huge resource to myself and my family.

Activities occur NATIONALLY:

• The CSA National Office Coordinates the Annual CSA Conference and the Annual CSA Dietitian Day
• National membership support with members around the world
• Toll-free phone support to patients, families, health, media, food industry US and Canada
• Distributes information packets on celiac disease in all 50 state
• Shares a basic set of materials on celiac disease with 600 libraries
• Shares information about CSA with hospital dietetic departmentsand schools
• Provides dietitian and physician packets at no charge, upon request
• Sponsors the CSA - Physician Education Program CSA-PEP
• Fundraising

LOCALLY:

• CSA chapters promote celiac disease awareness:
• Gather those interested in celiac disease into CSA Resource Units and CSA Chapters for mutual support and awareness
• Providing CSA-prepared press releases to local media
• Placing human-interest stories in area newspapers
• Giving radio and television interviews
• Co-sponsoring activities with state dietetic associations
• Setting up physician/patient interviews on talk shows or radio
• Donating materials to health agency files and to libraries
• Educating chefs and restaurant staff about the gluten-free diet
• Co-sponsoring displays with area hospitals and shopping malls
• Participating in health fairs
• Encourage companies to participate in the CSA Recognition Seal Program

INDIVIDUALLY:

• Join CSA or give a gift membership
• Share something positive about the disease and the diet with friends and neighbors.
• Meet with the manager of your local grocery store about the importance of the availability of gluten-free options.
• Visit with clergy regarding the strict gluten-free diet, communion and church pot lucks.
• Present a program to an organization about celiac disease and how it is handled, both at home and away.
• Request CSA brochures sent to doctors and dietitians in your area.
• Buy a CSA membership for a family member, health care professional or your local library, guaranteeing that CSA's quarterly newsletter, Lifeline, is available to others.
• Encourage local chapter members to join the national CSA organization.
• Contact the CSA office with your ideas and successes. CSA is continually looking for more ways to help the celiac community.
• Donate time, money and skills
• Encourage companies to participate in the CSA Recognition Seal Program