Crohn’s and Colitis Washroom Finder App helps Calgarians in need

WATCH: Heather Yourex presents Health FYI for June 25.

CALGARY – It’s an uncomfortable conversation Jennifer Wakeford has had many times.

“You almost feel like you’re begging people to use their washroom, but unlike the average person, I don’t have the time to look for a place to go,” she explained.

Wakeford has Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that together with ulcerative colitis, impacts one in 50 people in Canada. Symptoms include pain, internal bleeding, fatigue and an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

“My doctor always says you can tell how sick a person is based on how aware they are of where the nearest washroom is,” said Wakeford.

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To help ease the anxiety of people like Wakeford, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada launched a new national program in Calgary on Thursday.

GoHere partners with local businesses willing to make their washrooms available to people in need, no questions asked. Businesses can be identified by a GoHere decal displayed in the window, a free smart phone app called the GoHere Washroom Finder is also available to direct users to a washroom nearest to them.

“People who are suffering from Crohn’s and colitis, people who have diabetes or multiple sclerosis, even seniors and pregnant women sometimes feel they can’t participate in the community because of the simple question of where am I going to go to the washroom?” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

So far, 15 Calgary businesses as well as all city facilities have agreed to participate in the program. Nenshi is hoping more business owners will join the initiative.

“It’s putting a sticker in the window and it’s being welcoming to people who use facilities that already exist. I’m calling out all Calgary businesses to consider joining this program and show that you are inclusive in our community.”

There are also participating businesses located in Canmore, Ontario and Quebec. A list can be found online here. Business interested in joining the program can also sign up online here. The app is available for download at the Apple App Store or for Android on Google Play.