October 5, 2024: Ostomy Awareness Day

WHEREAS, 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. They are also necessary in cases of severe abdominal or pelvic trauma resulting from accidents or 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; and,

WHEREAS, approximately 725,000 to 1 million Americans have an ostomy, with approximately 100,000 new ostomy procedures performed each year; and,

WHEREAS, ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at any age and affects people from all ethnic backgrounds; and,

WHEREAS, largely through the efforts of United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA), and its over 265 Affiliated Support Groups, Americans 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; and,

WHEREAS, the United States celebrates Ostomy Awareness Day with the United Ostomy Associations of America annually on the first Saturday of October; and,

WHEREAS, our state is committed to increasing public understanding of ostomy to eventually help dispel the fear of those about to undergo this surgery, as well as the fear that confronts their families. This day can serve as a reminder to the American public that this is a lifesaving and life-restoring surgery; and,

WHEREAS, public education and awareness are vital to ensure those who are living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as typical, healthy individuals. Through education and awareness, we can erase the myths, stigma, and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with having an ostomy; and,

WHEREAS, our state and other government and private sectors are committed to the proper care and advancement of knowledge about bowel and urinary diversion surgery as a result of birth defects, disease, injury, and other digestive disorders; and,

WHEREAS, to increase public acceptance of ostomy surgery and continent diversion surgery and to help expand the understanding that “Ostomies are Life-Savers”, Michigan is designating “Ostomy Awareness Day” on October 5, 2024;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 5, 2024, as Ostomy Awareness Day in Michigan.