Good News? Bad News?

The United Ostomy Association is closing up shop in September:

The UOA Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cease operations of the United Ostomy Association, Inc. as of September 30, 2005. ...

UOA was founded to help improve the quality of life for people with intestinal or urinary diversions. Initial objectives were to improve medical and nursing care and ostomy products and to provide mutual support. In many significant ways, all of these goals have been achieved and we can be proud of our success. We have helped hundreds of thousands through the UOA Visiting Program, local chapters/satellites, www.uoa.org and the UOA National Conference. We should all be pleased with what UOA has accomplished since its inception in 1962.

Much has changed in 43 years: advances in medical science, ostomy supplies and electronic communication have created less need for our programs and services. A declining membership base, inadequate financial support and increasing operating costs have also plagued our organization for several years.

Fewer people receive surgical ostomies because other treatments are increasingly effective. Fewer of the ostomies are permanent, meaning that more ostomies are reversible. More people receive more information and support via the internet. These are surely all good things.

At the same time, local face-to-face support for individuals who have had ostomies is extremely valuable, and much of this occurred under the banner of the UOA. I presume/hope the local meetings will continue to be available for those who find will value in them.