About DDNC

The Coalition
The Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) is an advocacy organization comprised of the major national voluntary and professional societies concerned with digestive diseases and conditions, such as those living with an ostomy. The DDNC focuses on improving public policy and increasing public awareness with respect to diseases of the digestive system.

Mission

​The DDNC’s mission is to work cooperatively to improve access to and the quality of digestive disease health care in order to promote the best possible medical outcome and quality of life for current and future patients.

Digestive Diseases

​Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. Some of these diseases are classified as acute, as they occur over a short period of time, while others are chronic, life-long conditions. 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by these diseases, accounting for 21.7 million hospitalizations and $141.8 billion in health care costs.