<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I previously posted a request for ideas on how our local support group could
educate the local medical community.  I received various responses, all of
which were appreciated.  Here's the summary of suggestions:

WEB SITES:

www.csaceliacs.org
www.uams.edu/celiac
www.friendsofceliac.com
www.celiac.com
www.celiac.org
www.celiac.ca

1.  New Patient Packets -  A summary of information for newly diagnosed
individuals and should include:  local support group information, national
group information, local stores that carry gluten free food, websites, mail
order companies, and a listing of basic gluten free foods available at local
stores.  New Patient Packets can be distributed by support group members
directly to their doctors.  They can also be provided to medical providers to
give to newly diagnosed patients.

2.  Continuing Medical Education programs for doctors, nurses, dietitians,
medical students; etc. by a qualified experts on Celiac Disease.  (may
include gluten free food)

3.  Bulk Mailings - must be professional and accurate!  Pros - reach a lot of
medical providers; Cons - hit and miss.  Cost-benefit analysis recommended.

4.   Work with insurance companies to require that celiac disease be ruled
out prior to authorizing treatment for IBS and other GI disorders.

5.   Provide newsletters to your medical community.

6.   Provide your personal doctor with articles, research and information on
celiac disease.

7.   Provide scientific articles, such as "Detecting Celiac Disease in our
Patients", March 1, 1998, American Family Physician.

8.   Download information to provide in New Patient Packets and medical
providers.  Include websites and names of experts.  (See Websites above.)

9.  National organizations provide good information, much of which is free
and/or available to download:

CSA/USA, Inc. (www.csaceliacs.com) is working on a packet that will be ready
in January 2003.  Have other brochures including "What is Celiac Sprue and
DH?" designed for the newly diagnosed, nurses and dietitians, and a patient
and family brochure.

Friends of Celiac Disease Research (www.friendsofceliac.com)  has a brochure
"What is Celiac Disease?"

10.  Coming soon:  new guide authored by Danna Korn.

11. If you are part of the medical profession, do what you can to educate
others in your profession on celiac disease, including proper testing for
diagnosis.

12.  Get to know local dietitians to establish communication between your
support group and the dietitians.

There are a lot of good ideas here which can be used as a spring board for
your local support group.  There is a lot of information available at little
to no cost online and through the national organizations.  Thanks to all who
responded.  Good luck everyone on continuing to get the word out!

Heather Cline
Oklahoma City, OK
USA

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