TABLE OF CONTENTS

Celebrate Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week With COCCI!!!

Coming in H.O.T. (Health, Opinions, and Truths) Podcast Premiere

Congratulations To Our Award Winners

National Urban League and Takeda Partner to Advance Health Equity

Upcoming Events for COCCI

Join COCCI's Community

We're a little less than two weeks away from #InLivingCOCCI!!! A campaign where we educate BIPOC communities about IBD, health disparities, and new this year, community events in our two largest hubs! Our webpage is now available for those who are interested in participating with COCCI throughout the week. In addition to education and a toolkit to spread awareness, check out our events that will focus on the mental health of patients, care partners, and community members invested in digestive health.

Stay tuned for more!

Coming in H.O.T. (Health, Opinions, and Truths) is a bi-weekly podcast that discusses COCCI’s bold vision for health equity by bringing all stakeholders together (doctors, patients, hospitals, healthcare systems) to holistically address social determinants of health (SDOH) and social care needs for diverse communities of color with IBD and other chronic illnesses.

This season we tackle diverse patient experiences in BIPOC communities, mistrust in science, and the ins-and-outs of studies and research! Subscribe to our YouTube to watch episodes (Episode #1 airs on Wednesday, November 29).

Co-hosted by: Melodie Narain-Blackwell (COCCI) and Matthew McCurdy (BLKHLTH).

COCCI Ambassador Award Recipient

LaTesha Harrison-Thompson

Joining as a COCCI ambassador in 2021, LaTesha has demonstrated unwavering dedication in establishing a supportive environment for ostomates, leading to a valuable collaboration between COCCI and United Ostomy Associations of America.

Her dedication to programs like OstoChat and an Ostomy Supply Closet in partnership with Hollister Incorporated will have a lasting impression on ostomates in our community.

Beyond her remarkable accomplishments, LaTesha embodies the true spirit of kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. We're truly honored to have her in our community.

The Bryce A. Jones Award Recipient

Nia Jones (Accepted by Brandon Jones)

Nia is the CEO of On Purpose with Nia, a consulting organization dedicated to connecting humans to resources intentionally and strategically. She is also the President of Uncommonly Good, Inc, a non-profit established to continue the legacy of her mother- Linda M. Green who passed in January 2022 and her husband- Bryce A. Jones who passed in December 2022 of Colorectal Cancer.

She has shared her story with countless audiences, including attendees of our Young, Black, & CRC session at Equity in GI. With a lifelong dedication to people, Nia's efforts have not gone unnoticed.

This award was created in remembrance of a Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Friend, Mentor, Faithful Servant and Patient. Bryce’s legacy will be remembered by many generations to come and we are honored to present this community award moving forward.

The National Urban League, a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization, and Takeda together announce a new health equity initiative that seeks to address the obstacles that disproportionately hinder access to better health care for historically

marginalized populations in the U.S.

This partnership will ultimately help to raise awareness, knowledge, and action across the National Urban League’s network of local affiliates and partners on social determinants of health (SDOH) and the barriers to accessing timely diagnosis and treatment in communities.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

11:00 AM ET

Intercontinental Buckhead

Atlanta, GA

A yoga, meditation, and digestive health event for IBD patients, care partners, and community members. All are welcome so share with all of your yogi friends!

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

6:00 PM ET

Busboys and Poets

Hyattsville, MD

In partnership with Eustress, Inc., join us to reduce every day stress, grab a bite, and discuss gut health. All levels of coloring experience are welcome!

COCCI x Gut Theory Health Assessments

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 1:00PM - 6:00PM ET

COCCI's Virtual Ugly Sweater Game Night

Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 7:00PM

Become a COCCI Member

As a patient focused organization, we've been working hard on resources and programs that are beneficial to patients during their journey with IBD. After months of planning, we've officially launched our Patient membership level which offers:

• Care Connection Program
• Access to more Industry and Physician led resources
• COCCI In-Person and Virtual Community Programs
• Access to On-Demand Programming
• Discounts to COCCI Events*
• Eligibility for Equity in GI Travel Scholarships

This membership opportunity is free for patients so join today and expand your education and access as a patient.