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Navigate to this link. Create an account on Embracing Ostomy Life. Click on Sign Up Now at the bottom of the box and input your email address and create a password.
An immediate post-surgery support program for new ostomates
Alive & Kicking, a program offered by Embracing Ostomy Life, is a fantastic resource for those who have recently undergone ostomy surgery. This free, immediate post-surgery program provides practical and trusted information to help you recover quicker… and better!
To learn more about the Alive & Kicking program and sign up, CLICK HERE
More information regarding these programs are provided below.
When asked what new ostomates struggled with most following discharge from their ostomy or continent diversion surgery, “lack of emotional support/depression” was a top concern. UOAA, along with our partner, Embracing Ostomy Life, have created Team HOPE to provide that critical emotional support that is especially needed following ostomy surgery.
Helping Ostomates Through Peer Encouragement
Team HOPE connects new ostomates with experienced ostomates who have similar demographics and interests and who have completed the UOAA Ostomy Friends online training course. Engaging with a Team HOPE volunteer – someone who has experienced having an ostomy firsthand — can dramatically improve your recovery experience. Team HOPE volunteers listen, empathize, and offer valuable practical information because they have gone through their own ostomy journey – and know what you need to recover!
To learn how you can be matched with a Team HOPE volunteer OR to become a Team HOPE volunteer CLICK HERE
All Team HOPE communication can be facilitated through a safe, secure and private platform so no personal contact information needs to be shared.
UOAA Ostomy Friend Online Training course
UOAA offers a free “Ostomy Friends Online Training Course” for ‘veteran’ ostomates who would like to support and inspire others living with a new ostomy. This program provides online person-to-person support, helping new ostomates achieve an optimal physical, mental and social recovery. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be matched through “Team HOPE” with a new ostomate, creating a personal connection between the two of you.
The Ostomy Friends Online Training Course teaches best practices for supporting the needs of the new ostomate. The course contains videos and reflective questions. It is filled with sensitivity and empathetic listening tools that each “Friend” can use when meeting another ostomate for the first time. A number of resources available through UOAA will also be covered that may be helpful to the new ostomate as you discuss questions that may arise during your conversations with them.
After finishing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and a Link to join Team HOPE. A representative from Team HOPE will work to match you with a person who recently had ostomy surgery, based upon how you and the new ostomate answered a series of questions. You will then receive an email from Team HOPE, introducing you to the new ostomate and then the two of you can connect in a safe, secure and private online platform. You also have the option to be an Ostomy Friend to more than one new ostomate at a time if you choose to do so.
Registering for the Ostomy Friends Online Course
Signing up is easy:
Email, Name, & Password
You will be directed to enter your email, password, and first and last name. From there, you can click Sign In.
Sign Up
Volunteer for Team HOPE” button. Fill in your information. At the bottom, check the box “I agree to the Terms and Conditions”. The next step is to Click here to take the course.
You are now signed up and can begin the course. You will receive a welcome email at the address you entered when you sign up.
When you finish the course, you will receive an email congratulating you and a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate will contain the name you entered when you signed up for the course so, please enter your name as you’d like it to appear on your Certificate.
A link to join Team HOPE will be provided at the end of the course, and your Ostomy Friends connection will begin.
Continue to Receive Support Through a
UOAA Affiliated Support Group
Ongoing support can continue to be a crucial aspect for people living with an ostomy or continent diversion. There are over 285 UOAA Affiliated Support Groups (ASG) across the country that are there for the ostomate, their caregiver and healthcare team. Whether you attend an in-person, virtual or hybrid meeting, having a network of others in the ostomy community that understand what you are experiencing can be helpful in having the quality of life you desire and deserve.
To find a support group near you, CLICK HERE and enter your Zip Code. If there is not a group in your community, contact UOAA at info@ostomy.org or 800-826-0826 and a staff member will help to locate a Virtual option that works for you.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
