Takeda Canada supports Crohn’s and Colitis Canada GoHere washroom access program

Oakville, Ontario – November 30, 2017 – Takeda Canada is pleased to continue to support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and its effort to expand the GoHere washroom access program across the country. By pledging support Takeda Canada is encouraging Canadian businesses to sign on to open their washrooms to those in need.

Almost a quarter of a million Canadians live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.[1] These are debilitating diseases that require ready access to washrooms to avoid stressful and humiliating situations that unfortunately accompany these conditions. Unfortunately, in many cities and communities in Canada there are barriers to access washrooms. Many people stay close to home if they aren’t certain they will be able to access a washroom when they need it, causing significant isolation.

Business participation in GoHere is crucial because it enables people living with Crohn’s or colitis to break free from the anxiety, fear and stress they face when leaving their homes by making more washrooms accessible to those who might need them. A GoHere app alerts users to the nearest washroom available to them and businesses announce their willingness to let people use their washrooms without questions by placing the GoHere decal at their entrance.

 “Takeda Canada recognizes that Canadians living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis need support in different ways and in various aspects of their life,” said Chatrick Paul, General Manager of Takeda Canada Inc. “Our commitment to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)patients is demonstrated through the treatments we bring Canadians and the different programs we support. GoHere is an example of a program that is critical for IBD patients. We are very pleased to support this Crohn’s and Colitis Canada initiative to assist people with inflammatory bowel diseases to be able to get out in their communities and live active and involved lives. We encourage Canadian businesses, particularly those in busy public areas, to take part in this valuable program.”

Takeda Canada has been a major partner of the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada GoHere program since it was first launched in 2015.

“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,” said Mina Mawani, President and CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. “The number of Canadians affected by Crohn’s and colitis is growing. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is leading the GoHere initiative to ensure that washrooms are readily available so that people can avoid stressful and humiliating situations. We're asking Canadian businesses and organizations to register their washrooms on the GoHere app, and help make a difference for people living with Crohn's or colitis."

More information about the GoHere program is available here.

About ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) are the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).[2] Nearly 250,000 Canadians are living with UC or CD. More than 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, typically in patients in their 20s, though it can be diagnosed at any age, including in children.[3] IBD has been labelled Canada’s “national disease” due to Canada having among the highest rates in the world.[4] UC causes the tissue of the large intestine (including the colon and rectum) to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily. Along with symptoms of abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, UC can cause severe complications including intestinal bleeding and bowel obstructions. CD may involve inflammation in different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in different people; however, it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine (the ileum) where it joins the beginning of the colon.[5] Sometimes a portion of the bowel needs to be surgically removed to bring patients relief.8 The exact causes of UC and CD are not entirely understood, though they are believed to result from an interaction between genes and the body’s immune system, with environmental factors possibly playing a role.[6]

Takeda’s Commitment to Gastroenterology 
More than 70 million people worldwide are impacted by gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, which can be complex, debilitating and life-changing.[7] Takeda is driven to improving the lives of patients with GI diseases through innovative medicines, dedicated patient disease management support and the evolution of the healthcare environment. Takeda is leading in gastroenterology through the delivery of innovative medicines in areas associated with high unmet needs, such as inflammatory bowel disease, GI acid-related diseases and GI motility disorders. Our GI research & development team is also exploring solutions in celiac disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as scientific advancements through microbiome therapies. With more than 25 years of experience in this area, our broad approach to treating many diseases that impact the GI system and our global network of collaborators, Takeda aims to advance how patients manage their disease.

About Takeda

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Additional information about Takeda is available at takeda.com.

Takeda Canada, located in Oakville, Ontario, is the Canadian sales and marketing organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Takeda Canada is working towards being an agile, best-in-class specialty healthcare provider. Additional information about Takeda Canada is available at takedacanada.com.

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