The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) has been a vital advocate for individuals living with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has made our presence in Washington D.C. known since 2009 by conducting annual Hill visits where we continue to advocate for research and funding.
Working With Stakeholders
Working With the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
The NIDDK supports research of the most common, costly, and chronic conditions. IFFGD is a member of the Friends of NIDDK (established in 2013) which unites organizations to speak with one voice about the important research being conducted by the Institute and to ensure that these critical dollars continue to increase in future years.
In addition, IFFGD president, Ceciel Rooker, has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee from 2019, and served as a member of the Advisory Council from 2020-2024 for the NIDDK.
NCCIH Coalition for Whole Person Health–
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Coalition for Whole Person Health is an independent, self-organized group of nonprofit organizations that is national in scope. As a coalition member, IFFGD President, Ceciel Rooker, collaborates with fellow advocates to enhance awareness of NCCIH and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—highlighting the critical role of research in shaping interprofessional, whole-person health approaches. IFFGD remains committed to being a strong voice for GI patients, communities, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that NCCIH’s initiatives reflect the needs of those affected by functional GI and motility disorders.
Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) –
The DDNC serves as the national voice of the digestive health community by bringing patient organizations, physician societies, and industry partners together around issues of common interest. The functional GI and motility disorders patient community is well represented by the DDNC as IFFGD president, Ceciel Rooker, serves on the DDNC’s Executive Committee and is the current Treasurer for Functional GI and Motility Disorders. The DDNC actively works to shape health policy through sustained advocacy and outreach and hosts a two-day public policy forum on Capitol Hill each year.
Patients and Providers Medical Nutrition Equity Coalition
The Patients and Providers Medical Nutrition Equity Coalition (PPMNE) is dedicated to educating federal lawmakers on the essential role of medical nutrition in patient care. As a proud member of this coalition, IFFGD ensures that the needs of individuals with functional GI and motility disorders are strongly represented. PPMNE remains committed to advocating for the passage of the Medical Nutrition Equity Act, striving to secure coverage and affordability of medically necessary nutrition products for those who rely on them for their health and well-being.
Nutrition Medical Foods Coalition (NMFC)-
The Nutrition Medical Foods Coalition (NMFC) brings together medical food companies, patient advocacy organizations, and healthcare professionals to address key policy and regulatory challenges that impact patient access to medical foods. This coalition works collaboratively to ensure that medical foods remain a viable, physician-supervised option for disease management. As an active member of NMFC, IFFGD is committed to educating policymakers on the critical role of nutrition in health care—advocating for increased medical research, improved regulatory oversight, and enhanced insurance coverage and reimbursement to better serve patients who rely on these essential nutritional therapies.
Safe Step Coalition is a national alliance committed to protecting patient access to timely and effective treatments. The coalition works to reform step therapy, an insurance practice that requires patients to try and fail on insurer-preferred medications before accessing the treatment originally prescribed by their healthcare provider. By advocating for patient-centered policies, IFFGD ensures that individuals with functional GI and motility disorders are not subjected to unnecessary delays in care. Through collaboration with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and fellow advocacy organizations, IFFGD continues to push for legislation that prioritizes patient well-being, empowers providers, and upholds the integrity of individualized treatment plans.
Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research
The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research is a collaborative coalition uniting patient advocacy organizations, medical and scientific societies, academic and research institutions, and industry partners with a shared commitment to strengthening federal support for biomedical, behavioral, and population-based research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a proud member of this coalition, IFFGD actively advocates for increased investment in medical research, ensuring that advancements in gastrointestinal health and functional GI disorders remain a priority. Through its involvement, IFFGD helps amplify the voice of patients and researchers, working toward innovations that improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those affected by GI conditions
IFFGD’s Involvement in Shaping National Health Care Policy
We are continually present on Capitol Hill, monitoring and participating in areas important to the digestive health community.
Congressional Testimony
Each fiscal year (FY), Congress decides how much funding to provide federally supported medical research initiatives, what areas of research should be prioritized, and how much funding should be committed towards new drug approval and the monitoring of current treatment options. Whenever appropriate, the IFFGD offers testimony, either written or in person before members of Congress, which expresses the needs of functional GI and motility disorder patients and urges additional resources for NIH and FDA. For specific remarks to Congress, please visit our congressional testimony archive.
FDA and Other Regulatory Agencies Testimony
As part of our continual presence in Washington, DC, and around the United States, whenever appropriate IFFGD offers testimony to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies. Through either written or in-person statements, IFFGD shares the perspective of functional GI and motility disorder patients. We urge consideration of the patient perspective in regulatory decisions and encourage additional resources to help meet their needs. To read specific statements to the FDA and other regulatory agencies, please visit our FDA testimony archive.
VA Testimony
In 2011 the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognized that there is a “Presumptive Service Connection” associated with service in Southwest Asia during certain periods and the development of functional GI disorders. IFFGD promotes expanding the understanding of health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War and help for veterans with service-connected diseases.
