Beyond Celiac is the leading trusted resource on celiac disease. We are available and qualified to speak to the press on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:
Celiac disease as a serious genetic autoimmune disease
Health equity in celiac disease
Celiac disease patient advocacy and patient stories
The need for treatments beyond the gluten-free diet
The latest in celiac disease research/science/drug development
Non-GI symptoms of celiac disease
Connection to other autoimmune diseases
Growth of the gluten-free market, gluten-free labeling
If you are a member of the media, such as a journalist, blogger, etc., and want to know more about Beyond Celiac, including our research program, Science Plan, patient stories, and more, please contact Angela Crist at [email protected].
For more information on Beyond Celiac, celiac disease and the gluten-free diet:
About Beyond Celiac
Download CEO Alice Bast’s Headshots
Beyond Celiac Brand Elements/Logos
Beyond Celiac Science Plan
Download the Gluten-Free Diet Handout
Download What is Celiac Disease?
Voices of Celiac Disease Patient Stories
Fast Facts about Celiac Disease
Media Contact:Claire BakerNational Foundation for Celiac Awareness267-419-2111[email protected] Philadelphia, PA – October 5th – The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) strongly supports the Gluten in Medicine Identification Act, introduced on September 30 by US House of Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Nita Lowey (D-NY). Along with other celiac disease organizations, NFCA has long called for gluten to be called out on medication labels or, preferably, completely removed. In 2013, Rep. Ryan introduced the 2013 Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act, which would mandate that gluten be disclosed as an ingredient on all medication labels. Alice Bast, President and CEO of NFCA applauds the legislation. “From our own FDA-funded research, we know that our celiac disease community is deeply troubled by not having any clear guidance or reassurance that their medications for other ailments don’t in fact, contain gluten. There is a strong fear that a medication that should be treating one condition is actually making them sick and putting them at risk for long term health consequences due to gluten exposure.” NFCA, a non-profit patient-centric organization dedicated to increasing diagnoses and improving quality of life, while advancing celiac disease research to help protect the celiac disease community, has heard repeatedly from its constituents that undisclosed gluten in medications was making them sick. With the goal of turning anecdotes into documented, quantifiable research, NFCA received a $50,000 grant in 2011 from the FDA to study the prevalence of hidden gluten in medications, the first study of its kind. The Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004, which requires packaged food labels to identify all ingredients containing wheat and other common allergens, was a major landmark for people with celiac disease and food allergies. Yet, no similar requirement exists for medication labels. “We will continue to fight for accurate labeling and advocate for funding for further research and if appropriate, the elimination of gluten in medications all together,” Bast stated. “Our community’s health and well-being is at stake.” NFCA’s MissionThe National Foundation for Celiac Awareness advances widespread understanding of celiac disease as a serious genetic autoimmune condition and works to secure early diagnosis and effective management. We empower our community to live life to the fullest, and serve as a leading and trusted resource that inspires hope, accelerates innovation and forges pathways to a cure. NFCA is affiliated with the leading researchers internationally and supports collaboration and partnership among scientists and institutions to optimize research potential with the goal of improving the quality of life for those who have celiac disease.A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, NFCA is a leading source of free patient resources and industry training programs that not only help people get diagnosed, but also ensure they restore their health and reclaim their lives after diagnosis. For more information, visit www.beyondceliac.org.
Contact: Claire BakerDirector of Communications and New MediaNational Foundation for Celiac Awareness[email protected]215-325-1306 x111 PHILADELPHIA (August 31, 2015)– The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), a national non-profit organization that helps individuals with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders recently recognized the Drexelbrook Catering and Special Events Center for becoming accredited in safe gluten-free food handling policies and procedures. Their gluten-free training was provided through NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens program, an online, multimedia course that teaches foodservice staff how to properly prepare and serve gluten-free meals. Participants learn how to identify gluten-free ingredients, avoid cross-contact and answer gluten-free customers’ questions. Participating restaurants and foodservice operations demonstrating strict adherence to the guidelines receive GREAT accreditation. An estimated 1% of the population has celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune disease, and an estimated 6% of the population has gluten-sensitivity. Both conditions require a strict gluten-free diet. While many restaurants are introducing gluten-free menus to accommodate those who have this special dietary need, gluten-free food is not always prepared with the necessary precautions. Drexelbrook Catering and Special Events Centerreceives award from NFCA’s Director ofCommunications and New Media, Claire Baker Domenick Savino, CEO and General Manager acknowledged that the achievement was a group effort. “The team has worked very hard to earn this status. We have committed to training and awareness in all levels of our team.” “I am impressed by Drexelbrook’s commitment to serving safe gluten-free options to their guests. They are an inspiration and example for all catering companies everywhere,” noted Beckee Moreland, Director of NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens Program. Located in Drexel Hill, Drexelbrook Catering & Special Event Center is a full service hospitality company and special event venue that caters all types of events and provides a wide array of foodservice, design and planning needs for weddings, parties and special occasions. In June, Drexelbrook Catering won Best Dish at Philadelphia public TV and radio station WHYY’s Best of the Chefs event with their gluten-free Crab Cakes served over a Summer Aztec Rice Blend and topped with a Spicy Avocado Aioli. It was the only gluten-free dish offered at the event, demonstrating that gluten-free and delicious can go hand-in-hand with the right training. Restaurateurs and foodservice managers can learn more about safe gluten-free food handling procedures in a free webinar, Moving your Gluten-Free Operations from Good to GREAT! to be held on September 16th at 2 pm EDT. The webinar, sponsored by Argo Foodservice, is designed to provide practical knowledge on addressing these needs within the foodservice environment. To learn more, visit www.GREATGFKitchens.org/webinar. About the National Foundation for Celiac AwarenessThe National Foundation for Celiac Awareness advances widespread understanding of celiac disease as a serious genetic autoimmune condition and works to secure early diagnosis and effective management. We empower our community to live life to the fullest, and serve as a leading and trusted resource that inspires hope, accelerates innovation and forges pathways to a cure. ###
Kristin Voorhees, MA will help bring patient, caregiver and patient advocate voices to research funding efforts.
New “Seriously, Celiac Disease” campaign educates genetically at-risk family members about severity of celiac disease.
The nonprofit organization has changed its Mission Statement to convey celiac disease as the serious autoimmune disease that it is.
NFCA is excited to announce new talent and the shifting focus of select members of its Board of Directors.
Walmart’s new Great Value gluten-free line of products has been reviewed and certified to be within the FDA’s 20 ppm gluten threshold by the NFCA-endorsed Gluten Free Certification Program (GFCP).
New regulations will keep celiac disease and gluten sensitive consumers safe, but education is needed.
“Just before his third birthday, Max had dropped so much weight that he was back to wearing his one-year-old clothes.”
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