United Ostomy Association of America
The UOAA is a great resource, providing support, information, and advocacy to ostomates and caregivers.
Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurses Society
It’s very important for ostomates to be connected to a WOCN for guidance and help, particularly when everything is so new. You can find a WOCN in your area by searching here. It’s good visit a WOCN once year just to make sure everything is looking good.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America
The CCFA’s mission is to cure crohns and colitis and improve the quality of life for people affected by these diseases. Their website offers information about their research as well as advice for living with/managing IBD.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is searching for a cure for cancer. Their website has information about their research, programs and services they offer, and events they host.
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons
The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons has a patients section with a bit about ostomies.
Move Forward
After you’ve had surgery and are ready to get back to exercise, sometimes it’s nice to have some guidance for exercises safe to do with an ostomy. It’s also nice to learn what you should and shouldn’t do when trying to prevent a hernia. Move Forward is sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association and has tons of information as well as a physical therapist finder. Â
Ostomy & Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights (PBOR)
The PBOR is a tool for ostomy patients and their support systems to use to understand the standard of care and education they should be receiving as they go through ostomy surgery, and to give them a basis to start a dialogue with their healthcare professionals to collaborate on achieving the best possible outcomes for their surgery and care.
This website is powered by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It is meant to be an online community full of information about short bowel syndrome, management tips, stories, and more. They also offer a book called A Patient’s Guide to Managing a Short Bowel.
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide – USA
This is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which collects new ostomy supplies from people in the US and donates them to ostomates in developing countries worldwide. It’s a great cause, so if you find yourself with extra supplies that you no longer have a need for and are tired of them sitting and not being used, send them to FOW! They’re especially looking for pediatric supplies.
Osto-Group
Osto-Group is a not-for-profit organization that provides ostomy supplies to the uninsured. They obtain their supplies through donations.
Ostomy Angel’s Pantry
Join this facebook group to donate extra supplies or post what supplies you need and the lady who moderates it will try to help get you what you’re looking for.