Who we are:
The Philadelphia Ostomy Association is a volunteer-based non-profit support group dedicated to providing emotional support and reassurance to anyone who has or will have an intestinal or urinary diversion. Our group welcomes ostomates, family, friends and caregivers. We are made up of three support groups based on different physical locations although we are meeting via Zoom until it is safe to meet in-person. There are the Nazareth Hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital and Abington Hospital groups.
Where we meet:
Due to COVID-19, we are currently meeting virtually using Zoom Video Conferencing. If you are interested in attending one of our virtual meetings, please contact us at 267-231-4517 or send an email to sheldome@yahoo.com.
When we meet:
The Abington and Nazareth group meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 via Zoom.
The Pennsylvania Hospital group meets on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 2:00 via Zoom.
Please note: All members of the Philadelphia Ostomy Association and those looking to join are welcome to participate in any of our meetings.
How to request a visitor:
The visiting program offers one-to-one support by a trained certified visitor. Visits can be made in person to the hospital or home or via telephone to answer initial concerns of the new patient. A visitor serves as a positive role model for the new ostomate. For more information call 267-231-4517.
How to join:
Special membership offer if you are a new ostomate or first time member – we are offering a limited one time offer to help out new ostomates and continent diversionary surgeries (internal pouch surgeries) during the Pandemic with a reduced rate membership. We are lowering our membership fees from $25.00 to $15.00. This is open to new ostomates and first time members for a limited time only. Those who are renewing their membership please submit a check in the amount of $25.00. Call 267-231-4517 for information if you have any questions.
Print and mail the following information, along with a check for $25.00 made payable to the Philadelphia Ostomy Association, and send to:
Philadelphia Ostomy Association
P.O. Box 14343
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Please include the following:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Type of Ostomy:
Journal: Print or Electronic*
*The Philadelphia Ostomy Association membership includes our quarterly newsletter, “The Journal.” Let us know if you prefer to receive the print or electronic version.
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 (Wednesday until 2pm) 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.
Get Involved
UOAA is the leading organization proactively advocating on behalf of the ostomy community. Recognizing that we are always stronger together, we encourage everyone to get involved by joining our Advocacy Network. We’ve also created several Advocacy Tools and Resources to help you successfully advocate on behalf of the ostomy community to ensure every ostomate receives quality care.
Latest News:
- Resilience Story: Chris SeylerSeptember 21, 2023 - 10:47 am
- Even You Can Raise Ostomy AwarenessSeptember 20, 2023 - 2:24 pm
- Celebrating Another Year of Ostomy Awareness TogetherSeptember 13, 2023 - 1:33 pm
- UOAA Supporting Ostomy Nurse CertificationSeptember 6, 2023 - 12:10 pm
- Resilience Story: Maria SandovalAugust 16, 2023 - 4:29 pm

UOAA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.