A Message to the Celiac Disease Community on Equality and Health

From Alice Bast, CEO of Beyond Celiac

The vision of Beyond Celiac is a world in which people with celiac disease can live healthy lives, free from social stigma and fear of gluten exposure – A world Beyond Celiac. At the heart of this vision is a world in which all people have equal access to good health choices, healthcare and health outcomes.

While our work is dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for celiac disease, part of that effort is focused on reducing disparities of diagnosis rates and access to resources for those living with the disease now, regardless of race, income level or other current inequities that are apparent in America today. Achieving health equity comes from ensuring equity of opportunity and access in all facets of life for all of us.

As a result, our ongoing commitment is to continue advocating for access to healthcare and the right to live healthy lives for all, and especially for communities that are disproportionately affected by systemic, longstanding inequities of any type. We recognize that only by working with and listening to people of all races, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual and gender orientations, abilities and cultural backgrounds can we truly understand and appreciate one another and fulfill our mission of a world Beyond Celiac. Our work in all areas will reflect this important truth – in science, in events and community resources, in partnerships and in all of our interactions with the celiac disease community.

When we say “together for a cure,” we mean everyone. We believe the way forward is in genuinely moving together, with understanding, acceptance, justice and fairness for all.