Advocacy News

By Jeanine Gleba, UOAA Director of Advocacy

“Get Local, Get Vocal” Campaign is in Full Swing!

Since last month’s launch, several advocates have contacted me saying that they have secured meetings with their Representatives. We want every member of Congress to call the Trump Administration and stop Medicare from limiting access to these supplies through the Competitive Bidding program. But we need your help. If you are passionate about protecting access to ostomy supplies, please consider meeting with your Representative.

Learn how to take action here. 

If you missed our special advocate training to prepare for communicating with your elected officials, you can now view it on our website. We also released a new advocacy tool a “Crafting your story” fillable workbook.

We also joined stakeholders in the ITEM Coalition for a webinar you can watch now “Protecting Access to Ostomy and Urological Supplies: Medicare Competitive Bidding Update & Congressional Recess Action Plan”  Also a “Get Local, Get Vocal” Advocacy Campaign Toolkit has been developed to help organizations and advocates effectively engage Members of Congress during the August and Fall 2026 Congressional recess.

The success of this campaign will depend on demonstrating to Congress that this is not simply a Medicare payment policy; it is an issue of preserving patient choice, protecting access to individualized care, and ensuring that efforts to combat fraud do not inadvertently harm the very beneficiaries Medicare is intended to serve.

With upcoming elections your voice and your vote matters, so this is the perfect time to demand they protect our community. 

After reviewing all of the resources provided, if you still need help preparing for your meeting, please contact me at advocacy@ostomy.org.

Let’s Spread the Word Across the U.S. That We Are a Strong Community!

This year Ostomy Awareness Day is on Saturday, October 3rd! The theme is “One Community - Stronger Together”. 

Each year, UOAA advocates across the U.S. engage elected officials in their state on the importance of raising awareness about lifesaving ostomy surgery. 

We’ve updated our toolkit and webpage to make it very easy to do.  

Last year we had successful requests in many states, but let’s try to get all 50 states this year! Requests must be made on an annual basis. Make your state part of the movement this October by asking your governor to issue a state proclamation or letter of support for Ostomy Awareness Day on October 3, 2026! Track progress with our map. 

October may seem far away but most states need at least 6 weeks’ advance notice. Some are as far as 90 days in advance, so it’s important to start this process NOW. Be sure to read your state’s guidelines to ensure your request is submitted in time!

Please let us know if you submit a request with your governor at advocacy@ostomy.org, and we will change your state’s status on the map. Thank you for supporting this advocacy effort. 

Keep up with all of the events and activities for Ostomy Awareness Day!