Request a State Proclamation for Ostomy Awareness Day!

Let’s Spread the Word
Across America that
We Are a Strong Community!

Each year UOAA advocates from across the United States engage their elected officials in their state about the importance of raising awareness for lifesaving ostomy surgery.

This year Ostomy Awareness Day will be held on October 3, 2026. This year’s theme is “One Community – Stronger Together”.

Make your state part of the movement this October by asking your Governor to issue a state proclamation or letter of support for Ostomy Awareness Day!

It’s easy to proclaim Ostomy Awareness Day in your state!

Every state has a different process. Our toolkit explains the steps to obtain a proclamation with links for each state’s guidelines, provides a sample proclamation and more. Download the toolkit. If you just need the sample proclamation, download a template in Word or PDF format.

Start Early. Allow enough time to submit and process your request. Know your state’s deadline. Begin the process now. Most states need at least six weeks lead time for the governor’s office to process the request. Our toolkit has most state requirements listed. After you submit your request, please email advocacy@ostomy.org to let us know it is in the works for our interactive map!

Follow the Guidelines. Every state has their own requirements or guidelines. Be sure to know your state’s specific instructions to ensure you properly complete your proclamation request.

Follow-Up. If you have not received a response to your request after two weeks, follow up with your Governor’s office. Click here to find your Governor’s office contact information.

Express Gratitude. If you are successful securing a proclamation, be sure to thank the Governor’s office for the proclamation and being an ostomy champion. Emphasize again the importance of smashing ostomy stigma and raising awareness!

Let us know you obtained a proclamation for your state by emailing advocacy@ostomy.org. Be sure to include a photo image or pdf file copy of the proclamation. Here is an example from a Governor’s proclamation in 2025:

Arizona Proclamation 2025

This is the exciting part! Once your proclamation has been obtained, spread the word and celebrate your advocacy success! Promote with local newspapers. Share a selfie with the proclamation on your social media accounts and tag UOAA with the hashtag #OstomyDay2026.

Where Is Ostomy Awareness Being Proclaimed?

Whether you successfully obtained a proclamation or not, UOAA is grateful for all of the advocates who submitted requests to raise ostomy awareness and help UOAA get a proclamation in every state! You are all ostomy champions!