We are an Area-wide Support Group for Ostomates, Members of the UOAA, Inc.; and Sponsored by the ACS. Ostomates are people of any age with potential, new or mature Ileostomies, Colostomies, Urostomies or Continent Diversions.

We Provide direct aid and mutual support to Ostomates both individually and within group settings:

• Solve problems by providing information and referrals by any and all means of communication
• Create opportunities for making new friends and socializing among people with similar experiences and circumstances

We Conduct visitations (Personal, Telephone and E-Mail) to dialogue and present ourselves as role models to potential and new Ostomates:

• Before surgery to offer hope and encouragement
• After surgery to provide solace, assurance and comfort
• During rehabilitation to ease the adjustment and adaptation as an Ostomate
• Reversal to provide information and contacts about Reversals if elected

We Arrange programs and activities for Ostomates, Spouses, Children and Parents, and their Friends, as appropriate:

• Educate and train Support Group Members in new products, processes and procedures with assistance from United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
• Advertise Group Programs generally through public and private media outlets, and via the American Cancer Society
• Access resources, promote our purposes and attract new members through direct communication with the Medical Services Community

Meetings:

Since the onset of COVID19, our meetings are conducted via ZOOM the SECOND Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. We conduct two 40 minute meeting sessions to ensure that we address as many issues as possible as well as provide appropriate time for presentations and discussions. ZOOM meeting IDs and Passcodes are provided within the meeting notices that are sent several days prior to the meeting. It will be necessary to “download” ZOOM for First Time Attendees.

As of now we do not have a time frame as to when we will resume in person meetings at Chilton Medical Center.

Contacts:

• Jo Ann Coar MSN, RN-BC, A-GNP-C, CWOCN (Co-Leader) 973-831-5168
• Harold Willner (Co-Leader) 551-206-7254