Ostomy Support

Find Care, Connection, and Community

You don’t have to navigate life with an ostomy or continent diversion alone. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, adjusting to a new ostomy, or looking for ongoing support, United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) can help you find resources and people who understand.

Explore ostomy support groups, peer encouragement programs, specialized healthcare resources, mental health support, and assistance with supplies. Medical care and peer connection can help you build confidence and improve your quality of life.

Find an Ostomy Support Group Near You

Connecting with others who have experienced ostomy or continent diversion surgery gives you a place to ask questions, share experiences, and feel understood.

UOAA’s nationwide network of Affiliated Support Groups welcomes people who have or may have surgery, along with caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals. Explore local meetings or virtual options that fit your needs.

Whether you’re attending your first meeting or returning after many years, there is a community ready to welcome you.

Ostomy support group

Discover Online Peer and Ostomy Support Programs

Sometimes it helps to speak with someone who has been where you are. Online programs offer another way to find practical information and personal encouragement after surgery.

Through UOAA’s partnership with Embracing Ostomy Life, you can explore:

  • Alive & Kicking: A free program for people who have recently undergone ostomy surgery, offering information to support the transition home.
  • Team HOPE: A peer encouragement program that connects new ostomates with an Ostomy Friend.
  • Ostomy Friend Training: An opportunity for people with ostomy experience to prepare to support someone who is new to ostomy life.

Explore Online Peer and Ostomy Support Programs

Find an Ostomy Nurse or Outpatient Ostomy Clinic

A well-fitting pouching system and healthy skin around your stoma are important parts of daily ostomy care. If you’re experiencing recurring leaks, skin irritation, or difficulty managing your pouch, seek individualized help from a healthcare professional trained in ostomy care.

woman with an ostomy

An ostomy nurse can assess your needs, help with pouch fit, and answer questions about caring for your stoma and peristomal skin—the skin surrounding your stoma.

Find a Mental Health Provider After Ostomy Surgery

Adjusting to ostomy surgery involves more than learning a new care routine. Changes in body image, relationships, confidence, and everyday life can bring questions and emotions that deserve support.

A licensed mental health provider with experience in chronic illness, gastrointestinal conditions, or ostomy life can help you work through these changes.

Learn How to Find a Mental Health Provider

Donate Ostomy Supplies or Find Supply Assistance

Access to appropriate supplies is essential for ostomy care. If cost, insurance changes, or an unexpected shortage makes obtaining supplies difficult, explore organizations and programs that may be able to help.

  • Emergency and Low-Cost Ostomy Supplies: Find information about supply assistance organizations and manufacturer assistance programs. Availability and eligibility vary by program.
  • Donate Ostomy Supplies: Find organizations that accept donated supplies and review their requirements before sending items.

Connect With the Ostomy Community

Support can begin with a conversation, a shared experience, or a community event. Connect with UOAA through social media, the online discussion board, and events nationwide.

Ostomy Awareness Day
Join the community on the first Saturday in October to raise awareness, share experiences, and celebrate life with an ostomy or continent diversion.

Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k
Connect with fellow ostomates, families, supporters, and sponsors through run, walk, and roll events or virtual participation.

Start or Affiliate an Ostomy Support Group
Help build local connections by starting a group or bringing an existing group into UOAA’s affiliated network.

Become a UOAA National Member
Explore Individual and Medical Professional memberships and help strengthen the national voice of the ostomy community.

Donate to UOAA
Help sustain the education, support, and advocacy programs of UOAA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Your support needs may change over time, and help is available at every stage. Start with a support group, connect with an ostomy nurse, or explore a peer program to find the next step that feels right for you.