The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center offers the most comprehensive approach to celiac disease in the nation.  Our programs and events include:

Celiac Disease Information Hotline, Gluten-Free Care Package Program, Annual Free Blood Screening, Professional and Patient Education, Annual Fundraising Benefits

Programs

Celiac Disease Information Hotline

Our celiac disease information line provides expert help with questions regarding symptoms, testing, diagnosis and procedures.

Call us Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. central standard time at (773) 702-7593 with your questions. Most calls will be answered immediately, by a live person. Messages will be returned within 48 hours.

Gluten-Free Care Package Program

The Gluten-Free Care Package is a basket of gluten-free resources, including a gluten-free food guide, support group information and food samples to instruct dietitians and patients on the gluten-free diet.

Since the founding of the program in 2001, we have distributed thousands of Gluten-Free Care Packages to newly diagnosed patients with celiac disease, all over the country.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with celiac disease through a biopsy in the past three months, please contact us at: (773) 702-7593 for your Gluten-Free Care Package. It will contain all the information you need to start the gluten-free diet so that you can spend your energy getting well instead of looking for information.

Annual Free Celiac Blood Screening

Every fall we hold a free, celiac blood screening day to test people who are at risk for celiac disease. Each year we test nearly 500 participants, who come to the University of Chicago from all over the country. Many of the participants would not otherwise have had access to celiac disease testing, either because their doctors refused to carry out the tests, their insurance would not cover the cost or they were uninsured altogether.

You are eligible for the free blood screening if you are at risk for celiac disease.

The blood screening is held on the 4th Floor of the University of Chicago Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine. The test performed is the tTG-IgA, or anti-tissue transglutaminase test. This test is the most sensitive screening test available for celiac disease.

Patient & Professional Education

Preceptorship Program, Speaking Engagements, Educational Tours

Our network of celiac specialists including Dr. Guandalini, Dr. Semrad and Dr. Jabri frequently lectures at medical meetings and conferences around the world and conducts Grand Rounds on celiac disease for medical professionals. We also have an annual Preceptorship Program that is an on-site intensive 2-day training course for medical professionals.  This does require an application and selection process for the best candidates.  Additionally, our Center offers lectures to celiac support groups and medical professionals. For more information about these programs, please call our office at: (773) 702-7593.

Speaking Engagements

Our specialists in celiac disease welcome the opportunity to speak to interested groups around the county and around the world.  If you would like to check availability, please email your request to [email protected]  Please be sure to include information about your organization, the intended audience, date, time and logistics. 

Events & Fundraisers

Annual Gourmet Gluten Free Benefit

Each year the University of Chicago hosts a gourmet gluten-free event complete with silent and live auctions.  So far, every event has sold out.  Watch for more details about our upcoming events or sign up to receive updates by clicking here.

Going the Distance

Going the Distance for Celiac Disease is easy...this is a do-it-yourself fundraiser! Just sign up for an organized event or make up your own.  Walk, run, swim, bike, jump rope--whatever your fancy-- to help support the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and raise funds for Celiac Disease Education, Research and Advocacy!

Download your "Fundraising Kit" here to get started or for more information, call 773-702-7593