Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Ostomy Awareness Day, held annually on the first Saturday of October, is an opportunity to celebrate ostomates and spread ostomy awareness.
According to the National Institution of Health, about 100,000 people have ostomy surgery of the bowel each year. A little over 15% of ostomies in general are due to inflammatory diseases and obstructions. While ostomy surgery helps patients better navigate their illnesses, there is still more work to do to bring awareness, support, and an increased quality of life to our ostomates and their care partners.
Show your support by participating in COGI activities through October 5th.
References:
Hendren S, Hammond K, Glasgow SC, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for ostomy surgery. NIH Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2015;58(4):375–387. doi:10.1097/DCR.0000000000000347
BMHC Health Services Research: Who are the ostomy patients and caregivers attending Portuguese community pharmacies? A cross-sectional study
To our Ambassadors & Community Members, thank you for using your superpower–Your Voice–to bring awareness to the diversity in ostomy patients & families.
OstoMe is a start-up organization that provides ostomy supplies and resources to ostomates in need. Whether due to high insurance deductibles, copays, no insurance coverage at all, or a lack of supplies sent per month, OstoMe fills the gap to supply ostmates with what they need. Providing donated ostomy supplies to patients (FREE of charge), OstoMe is dedicated to making the lives of ostomates easier. We take away the worry away so ostomates can focus on their individual health needs.
Message from LaTesha Harrison-Thompson, Owner of OstoMe: I started OstoMe because of the lack of supplies given by insurance companies. I want everyone to have supplies and I never want anyone to go without (this is literally our clothing). My ultimate goal is to continue to provide supplies to ostomates in need, and provide resources on how the ostomates can obtain insurance (if they don’t have insurance) through their state. I never want the ostomate to pay for shipping. Most of the ostomates are on disability and truly can’t afford to pay shipping costs either.
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