Advocacy

The Gastro Girl Patient Institute: Education, Advocacy & Support

The Gastro Girl Patient Institute (GGPI) is an independent 501(c)(3)  nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with reliable, evidence-based information, personalized support services, and accessible resources to help them make informed decisions about their digestive health and well-being.

Launched as a nonprofit initiative of the trusted Gastro Girl™ brand—the official patient education partner of the American College of Gastroenterology—GGPI shares the same commitment to patient empowerment, education, and improved access to expert digestive health care.

We collaborate with leading gastroenterologists, healthcare providers, and patient advocates to bridge the gap between patients and providers. Our programs meet individuals where they are—through online education, support groups, and community outreach—delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care that reflects the diverse needs of the digestive health community.

We believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient—one who can confidently engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare team. At the Gastro Girl Patient Institute, shared decision-making is more than a goal—it’s a guiding principle that shapes how we educate, support, and advocate for those navigating digestive health challenges.

We don’t just educate—we empower. Through trusted knowledge, expert collaboration, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, we help individuals take charge of their digestive health and thrive.

Animal-Assisted Education & Awareness with Oliver
Oliver, our founder’s beloved Bearded Collie, is actively involved in real-world Animal-Assisted Education & Awareness programs and is a certified therapy dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Some of the places Oliver visits include health conferences, community events, and is expanding his reach this year to schools, children’s hospitals, and community centers to provide comfort, education, and engagement. Through his presence, children and families not only learn about digestive health in an interactive way but also experience the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interactions. Oliver’s ability to connect with people of all ages makes him a unique and valuable part of our educational outreach, offering a hands-on learning experience that fosters well-being and understanding.

See Oliver in Action 

Partnership with Giz Kids Foundation Brings Digestive Health & Nutrition Education to Children

The Gastro Girl Patient Institute (GGPI) is proud to partner with the Giz Kids Foundation, an organization dedicated to transforming learning through storytelling and puppetry to positively impact children’s lives and the creator of Woof Chat Kids. Our partnership expands Woof Chat Kids’ educational programming to include digestive health and nutrition education. Together, GGPI and the Giz Kids Foundation brings vital, engaging, and interactive digestive health programming to communities, including children’s hospitals, schools, and family health events.

As part of this initiative, Oliver, will play a leading role in this programming in puppet form, making complex health concepts more accessible and engaging for children. Through storytelling, play-based learning, and interactive education, Oliver as part of the Woof Chat Kids team will help children and families understand the importance of digestive health and nutrition in a fun and meaningful way.

At Gastro Girl and the Gastro Girl Patient Institute, we believe that knowledge is power, support is essential, and every gut deserves expert care. Whether through trusted patient education, innovative digital tools like the Ask Gastro Girl App, or interactive programs for kids, we are redefining digestive health—one patient, one family, and one paw at a time.

Join us in this movement for better digestive health! Learn more, get involved, and experience a new era of digestive wellness—where patients, families, and future generations truly come first.

Introducing Oliver Super Beardie: New Member of the Woof Chat Kids!