A celiac disease support group is forming in Carbon County.

Dr. Ahmed Hasan, a gastroenterologist with Blue Mountain Health System in Lehighton, plans to launch the support group this month.The exact date will be announced on the Carbon County Celiac Center website.The group will meet monthly and provide an opportunity for people to talk about their condition with a specialized celiac dietitian and work on a gluten-free diet plan. Information about gluten-free products will also be available, including what to look for on labels, shopping tips, and how to choose meals at restaurants. The dietitian can provide counseling on the effects of nutrition.More information about creating a gluten-free diet, celiac disease and the support group can be found at

www.carboncountyceliaccenter.com.Additional resources about celiac disease include: Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Support Association, Beyond Celiac, The Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign and Gastro Girl/Empowering Optimal Digestive Health.The date of the first meeting and location can be obtained by contacting Lehigh Gastroenterology Associates LLC at 610-379-0443 or by email at

info@carboncountyceliaccenter.com. Their office is at 204 State Road.- Kristine Porter