PRINTER'S NO. 2122
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
237
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY ROZZI, HILL-EVANS, MADDEN, DELLOSO, SANCHEZ,
HADDOCK AND OTTEN, OCTOBER 13, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, OCTOBER 13, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing October 7, 2023, as "Ostomy Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, An ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an
opening, known as a 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 a birth defect,
colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis, bowel injury or other medical condition; and
WHEREAS, The bodily waste passes through the stoma into an
ostomy pouch on the outside of the body or, in the case of a
continent diversion surgery, an internal surgically created
reservoir; and
WHEREAS, Not all ostomies result in a permanent stoma, with
doctors recommending temporary stomas if all or part of a
patient's large intestine needs to rest following surgery; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 750,000 Americans live with an ostomy,
with more than 130,000 new ostomy procedures performed each
year; and
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WHEREAS, Ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at
any age and does not lower life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, Largely through the efforts of United Ostomy
Associations of America, Inc., (UOAA) and its more than 300
affiliated support groups, Americans needing these surgeries are
becoming more aware of the opportunities for education, mutual
aid, advocacy and support that are of great benefit to them and
their families; and
WHEREAS, UOAA celebrates "Ostomy Awareness Day" annually on
the first Saturday of October; and
WHEREAS, The aim of "Ostomy Awareness Day" is to improve the
rehabilitation of ostomates worldwide by spreading awareness and
promoting national visibility; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives is committed to
increasing public understanding of ostomies to help dispel the
fear of those about to undergo this surgery, as well as the fear
that confronts their families; and
WHEREAS, "Ostomy Awareness Day" can serve as a reminder to
the American public that this is a lifesaving and life-restoring
surgery; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recognizes that public
education and awareness are vital to ensure that those who are
living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as
normal, healthy individuals; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
7, 2023, as "Ostomy Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
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