There are many people with ostomies worldwide that do not have the resources to get the supplies they need. If, due to a reversal or your ostomy or after switching to a new product, you find yourself with unneeded or outdated supplies, you can help those in need by donating unused ostomy supplies.
Donating Unused Ostomy Supplies
How Can You Help?
- Give your supplies to a local ostomy support group. You can find your local UOAA support group on the UOAA website. Or, you could give the supplies to your Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN). If you do not know a WOCN in your area, you can find one on the official WOCN website. This way, people with new ostomies can sample different products while looking for the right fit for them.
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- Donate to an organization committed to providing supplies to ostomates in need. Two such organizations are:
- Friends of Ostomates Worldwide – www.fowusa.org
- Who They Are: A non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1986.
- What They Do: Send donated ostomy supplies to people in need worldwide, and make sure the supplies are distributed free-of-charge.
- Ostogroup – www.ostogroup.org
- Who They Are: A not-for-profit organization that receives donations of unused ostomy products from all over the United States.
- What They Do: Collect donated ostomy supplies and provide them to the uninsured for just the cost of shipping and handling.
- Friends of Ostomates Worldwide – www.fowusa.org
Do you know of another organization that provides supplies to ostomates in need? Please let us know and provide a link in the comments below. Thank you!
For more information, see related articles and ostomy resources here: