Our Mission:
UOAA promotes quality of life for people with ostomies and continent diversions through information, support, advocacy and collaboration.
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Between 725,000 and 1 million Americans are living with an ostomy, and approximately 100,000 new life-saving ostomy surgeries are performed annually in the United States. You need answers—so you’ve reached the right site for information, help, and support.
We are here for all people impacted by ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Whether you are seeking to join one of our 300+ Affiliated Support Groups, or whether you are an individual or medical provider seeking the answers you need, UOAA is here to help.
UOAA also unifies and strengthens its affiliated support groups, which are organized for the benefit of people who have, or will have intestinal or urinary diversions and their caregivers.
Looking for more information on how UOAA could help you, your patients, or your loved one? Download and print our informational brochure! Inside, you’ll find all of the ways UOAA works in the realms of support, education, and advocacy to make sure all ostomates have the positive ostomy experience they deserve. You’ll also find opportunities to get involved, connect on social media, and become a member of our organization to take advantage of all the resources we offer. Plus, by printing out an extra copy to share with your medical team, you can help spread the word about UOAA and ensure a brighter future for all ostomates!
Our History:
UOAA was founded in 2005 after the United Ostomy Association (UOA), the previous national ostomy organization in the U.S., closed its doors. In 2009, in recognition of their efforts, the Management Board of Directors conferred the title of UOAA Co-Founders on Kenneth Aukett and Linda King Aukett.
For an extensive account of UOAA’s history, see Ken Aukett’s document A Look At Ostomy Patient Peer Group Support (PDF file from February 2021).
UOAA launched its website in 2005 using the uoaa.org domain name. In 2010, we moved our website to the ostomy.org domain, which had been registered originally by Dick Taylor. See information about Dick Taylor, including more on the early history of ostomy associations.
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 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. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
