Who we are:

The Philadelphia Ostomy Association is a volunteer-based non-profit support group formerly known as CIRA (Colostomy Ileostomy Rehabilitation Association) and established in 1949 and 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 two support groups based in different physical locations. There are the Pennsylvania Hospital Ostomy & Continent Diversion Support Group, in Center City Philadelphia, and The Montgomery County Ostomy & Continent Diversion Support Group.

When & Where we meet:

The Philadelphia Ostomy Association meets on the second Sunday of the Month at Pennsylvania Hospital, 8th and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia (See Map) and has Hybrid meetings (In person and on ZOOM). From January to December.

Our Satellite Group the Montgomery County Ostomy & Continent Diversion Group meets the Second Tuesday of the month at Wissahickon Valley Free Library- Ambler Branch 209 Race Street, Ambler, PA 19002 (See Map). They meet on the second Tuesday in Person in the months of February, April, June, October and December, and on Zoom on the second Tuesday of the months of January, March, May, September and November.

If there is a rise in COVID-19, we will meet totally 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 ccphilaostomygroup@gmail.com

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) 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 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:
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Home Phone:
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Type of Ostomy: