About The Program

The IBD Patient Navigator® Program provides six months of personalized, one-on-one navigation support for individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, particularly those experiencing barriers to care and essential resources.

Participants work with a trained Navigator who helps them prepare for medical appointments, communicate with their healthcare team, connect with primary and specialty care, locate trusted community resources, and build confidence in managing their condition.

What Is an IBD Patient Navigator®?

An IBD Patient Navigator® is a trained advocate who serves as a nonclinical bridge between participants, healthcare providers, and community resources. Navigators provide education, guidance, and advocacy but do not diagnose conditions, provide medical advice, recommend treatment, or replace a participant’s healthcare providers.

Who We Serve

The program supports individuals who have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowels Disease (IBD):

Crohn’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis

Enrollment is based on eligibility and current program capacity. Completing an application or receiving a referral does not guarantee enrollment.

How the Program Works

1. Apply or Receive a Referral

Individuals may apply for themselves. Healthcare providers and community organizations may also submit a referral with the individual’s knowledge and consent.

2. Complete an Eligibility Conversation

A Foundation representative will contact the individual to discuss their needs, confirm eligibility, and explain the program.

3. Get Matched With a Navigator

Eligible participants are connected with a trained IBD Patient Navigator® who provides personalized support throughout the six-month program.

4. Receive Ongoing Navigation Support

Participants receive twice-monthly touchpoints with their Navigator to discuss progress, challenges, resources, and next steps.

Navigation Services

Our Navigators provide personalized, nonclinical support in four key areas:

Healthcare Navigation: Connecting participants with primary care and gastroenterology providers and helping them prepare for medical appointments.
IBD Education and Self-Management: Helping participants understand their condition, track symptoms, follow their care plan, and build confidence managing IBD.
Community Resource Connections: Connecting participants with mental health, nutrition, financial assistance, food support, and other trusted community resources.
Advocacy and Ongoing Support: Helping participants communicate with their healthcare team, address barriers to care, and access work, school, or peer support when needed.

Patients and Caregivers

You do not have to figure everything out by yourself. Our Navigators provide education, tools, and personalized guidance to help you feel more informed and prepared throughout your IBD journey.

Ready to learn more? Apply for Navigation Services

Patient Education & Support Resources

Explore practical tools and trusted resources designed to help individuals and caregivers better understand IBD, prepare for medical appointments, build confidence in maintaining their care, and connect with ongoing support.

For Healthcare and Community Partners

Healthcare providers, hospitals, social workers, care coordinators, mental health professionals, community health organizations, and other trusted partners may refer individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Before submitting a referral, please confirm that the individual knows about and agrees to the referral. After the form is submitted, a Foundation representative will contact the individual to discuss eligibility and next steps.

REFER A PATIENT

Become a Referral Partner

Organizations interested in establishing an ongoing referral pathway with the IBD Patient Navigator® Program are invited to connect with us. Referral partners help ensure that individuals living with IBD are connected with navigation support, trusted resources, and appropriate care.

BECOME A REFERRAL PARTNER

Or contact us at hello@thestephanieawynnfoundation.org.

Important Information

The IBD Patient Navigator® Program provides nonclinical navigation, education, advocacy, and resource support. Navigators do not diagnose medical conditions, provide medical advice, prescribe treatment, or replace a participant’s healthcare providers.

This program is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.