GoHere helps Canadians living with Crohn's and colitis who need a washroom up to 20+ times a day
TORONTO, May 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Crohn's and Colitis Canada with the support of Husky Energy announces the expansion of GoHere a washroom access program that helps Canadians living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis manage one of the many difficult symptoms of these diseases – the sudden, urgent need to use the washroom which can occur from five, to more than 20, times a day.
GoHere added more than 400 washroom locations, from Ontario to British Columbia, underscoring Husky's commitment to the communities in which they operate. Husky retailers look forward to serving Crohn's and colitis clients. Husky washroom locations can also be found on the GoHere Washroom Finder App.
Husky retailers will show their support by posting a GoHere decal at their entrance or on a store window. This tells people with Crohn's and colitis (and other health issues resulting in incontinence) that a washroom is readily available at their location for their use – no questions asked. The GoHere Washroom Finder App for smartphones helps users locate the nearest welcoming washroom facility. The app is available free for download at go-here.ca
"Living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is a daily challenge. However, constant fear of not being able to find or have access to a washroom when needed can make it even worse. People often choose to spend their time at home and therefore become isolated," says Mina Mawani, President and CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada. "The number of Canadians affected by Crohn's and colitis is growing. We need more businesses and retailers, like Husky, to sign up and make their facilities available so that GoHere can improve the quality of life for people living with Crohn's and colitis."
A survey of people with Crohn's and colitis revealed that 44 per cent had suffered the discomfort and embarrassment of at least one accident in public because they couldn't find a washroom in time. Lack of easy washroom access is an important reason why people with incontinence issues favour shopping at malls over community shopping streets.
Canada has one of the highest rates in the world of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – mainly consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – with nearly 250,000 Canadians affected. The conditions cause inflammation of the intestinal tract and bowel, resulting in ulceration, severe pain, internal bleeding and, particularly when the condition is in a flare-up, unpredictable and urgent need to go to the washroom.
GoHere is funded by The Calgary Foundation, the Community Foundation of Ottawa and Takeda Canada. Municipalities of Calgary and Mississauga are also opening their community washrooms. The GoHere Washroom Finder App was developed by AtomTonic Digital Innovations. Corporations and individual businesses across Canada are invited to join GoHere and order decals to make their businesses and communities more accessible at go-here.ca
About Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
One in 150 Canadians (nearly 250,000) live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Canada has among the highest rates of these diseases in the world. These "hidden diseases" cause inflammation and ulceration in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain from ulceration, internal bleeding, depression, fatigue, and both urgent and prolonged diarrhea. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (or IBD). Crohn's and colitis are chronic conditions which last a lifetime, interfering with school, work and relationships. Learn more at crohnsandcolitis.ca
About Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Crohn's and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults affected by these chronic diseases. We are one of the top two health charity funders of Crohn's and colitis research in the world, investing over $94 million in research to date. We are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn's and colitis (the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease) through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness. Our Crohn's & Colitis – Make it stop. For life. Campaign will raise $100 million by 2020 to advance our promise.
SOURCE Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Image with caption: "Crohn's and Colitis Canada - GoHere (CNW Group/Crohn's and Colitis Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160526_C3763_PHOTO_EN_700156.jpg
C.K. DesGrosseilliers, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, [email protected], 416-920-5035 ext. 241
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