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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 8, 2023 09:42 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Steven J. Santarsiero |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Recognizing October 7, 2023 as “Ostomy Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania |
| An ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the normal function of digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other medical conditions, such as severe abdominal or pelvic trauma resulting from accidents or from injuries sustained during military service. The bodily waste passes through the stoma into an ostomy ‘pouch’ on the outside of the body or in the case of continent diversion surgeries, an internal surgically created reservoir. Approximately 725,000 to 1 million Americans have an ostomy, with approximately 100,000 new ostomy procedures performed each year. An ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at any age and does not lower life expectancy. Largely through the efforts of United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., (UOAA) and its over 300 Affiliated Support Groups, individuals needing these surgeries are becoming more aware of the opportunities for education, mutual aid, advocacy and support that are of such great benefit to them and their families. UOAA celebrates Ostomy Awareness Day with United Ostomy Associations of America annually on the first Saturday of October. Recognizing October 7, 2023 as “Ostomy Awareness Day” serves as a reminder that this is a life-saving and life-restoring surgery. Public education and awareness is vital to ensure those who are living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal, healthy individuals. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as SR177