Mission:
The mission of the IBD Patient Navigator® Program is centered on facilitating equitable access to quality healthcare and essential resources for underserved African Americans and other marginalized populations diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Our aim is to empower them with the means to effectively manage their condition.
Primary Objective:
The primary objective of our IBD Patient Navigator® Program is to enhance the quality of life for marginalized communities, including African Americans and other underserved populations, who are struggling with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). By forming a cohesive link between:
- IBD Patients
- Healthcare Specialists
- Primary Care Physicians
- Mental Health Professionals
- Health Insurance Companies
About the IBD Patient Navigator® Program
The IBD Patient Navigator® Program advocates to assist individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, in gaining equitable access to quality healthcare and educational resources.
Through a series of community-based initiatives such as lunch and learn sessions, interactive workshops, and health seminars, the program empowers underserved populations to better understand their condition, navigate the healthcare system, and strengthen their ability to manage their health and well-being.
Our Program Services
The IBD Patient Navigator® Program offers two essential service tracks to support both patients and healthcare providers:
Track 1: Navigating IBD™: Empowering Providers to Improve Access to IBD Care
A professional development training designed for healthcare providers, social workers, and care teams.
This training focuses on:
- Strengthening provider-patient communication
- Reducing care delays
- Recognizing social determinants that impact IBD care
- Equipping providers with culturally responsive strategies to better support underserved IBD patients within primary care and community health settings.
By participating, providers are better prepared to deliver patient-centered, compassionate, and equitable care to individuals living with IBD.
Track 2: Navigating IBD: A Step-by-Step Blueprint for Patients and Caregivers
An interactive wellness series designed to empower patients and caregivers with practical knowledge about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), symptom management techniques, emotional coping strategies, and healthcare navigation tools.
Participants also receive access to the Navigating IBD Toolkit, which includes:
- Symptom trackers
- Doctor visit discussion guides
- Basic nutrition tips for gut health
- Mental health and emotional wellness resources
This track is designed to improve health literacy, confidence in care management, and patient-provider communication.
Ready to Learn More?
If your organization, community center, or healthcare practice is interested in partnering with us to bring the Navigating IBD tracks to your patients and providers, send an email to: hello@thestephanieawynnfoundation.org
What Is an IBD Patient Navigator®?
An IBD Patient Navigator® is a trained advocate who supports individuals diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, access appropriate treatment, and manage their overall care journey.
Our team of IBD Patient Navigators® serves as a critical bridge between patients, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community agencies. We provide culturally responsive education, navigation support, and advocacy to empower patients in making informed decisions about their health.
Our Navigators assist by:
- Helping IBD patients communicate more effectively with healthcare providers to make informed choices about their treatment.
- Assisting patients in accessing quality healthcare services and overcoming barriers related to cost, insurance, or systemic disparities.
- Advocating for patients to receive timely, appropriate, and culturally competent care.
- Addressing concerns related to medical treatment, financial barriers, and healthcare navigation challenges.
Partnering with insurance companies, case managers, and healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
Our Educational Resources Include:
- Exploring Health Equity Beyond the IBD Diagnosis Lunch-and-Learn Series
- IBD Patient Checklist
- Let’s Talk IBD Health & Wellness Symposium
- Navigating IBD: A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health (Patient Resource Book)
Through these initiatives, the IBD Patient Navigator® Program remains committed to equipping underserved populations, particularly African Americans and other marginalized communities living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive.
If you are a healthcare provider or represent a healthcare organization interested in partnering with our IBD Patient Navigator® Program, please contact us at: hello@thestephanieawynnfoundation.org
IBD Stomaching Food Insecurity Program
Empowering Individuals with IBD to Access Nutritious Food
The IBD Stomaching Food Insecurity Program is a high-impact initiative designed to support individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in accessing affordable, nutritious food.
Recognizing the critical role of diet in managing IBD, this program specifically targets underserved communities facing food insecurity, often compounded by living in food deserts.
Program Highlights
Nutritional Support
- Monthly Food Boxes: In collaboration with local urban community farms, the program provides monthly deliveries of fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure access to essential, healthful foods.
- Cooking Classes: Participants are invited to join community classes focused on preparing nutritious meals tailored to IBD-specific dietary needs.
Educational Resources
- Nutrition Education Sessions: These sessions empower participants with knowledge on healthy eating habits and practical nutrition strategies for managing IBD.
- Peer Support Groups: Dedicated groups offer a platform for individuals to share experiences, build community, and support one another on their health journey.
Serving Our Community
The IBD Stomaching Food Insecurity Program proudly serves South Pinellas County and the South St. Petersburg Corridor, focusing on ZIP codes 33701, 33705, 33711, and 33712.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in these underserved areas, the program is committed to enhancing quality of life through better nutrition, education, and community support.
Support This Initiative
If you would like to donate to the IBD Stomaching Food Insecurity Program,click here.
Your support helps provide life-changing resources to individuals navigating IBD and food insecurity in our community.