Heart of Iowa Ostomy Support Group

04/04/2026

This is to remind you that the meeting is not the first Sunday this month as it is Easter and the Library is closed. As we discussed last month, we will meet on the 12th instead. We will be planning out future meetings as we continue to grow our membership. As always, anyone can bring up a topic or concern at any meeting.

In May, we have a guest speaker, a Registered Dietician from UNMC who just finished her PhD. She is an expert on short gut syndrome.

Urbandale Library
Conference Room (back and to the right, all the way at the end)
3pm-4pm.
3520 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Send a message to learn more

03/22/2026

A member of our group, Diane K., shares her inspiring journey as an ostomate, offering advice and insights on managing life after surgery for a more fulfilling experience.

Diane K. shares her inspiring journey as an ostomate, offering advice and insights on managing life after surgery for a more fulfilling experience.

01/28/2026

We are back! Join us on Sunday February 1, 2026 at 3 PM in the Urbandale Library.

11/07/2025

There is no meeting scheduled for December as so many of our members are busy with holiday activities and travel. Meetings will resume in January. Here is a link with some useful tips about traveling with your ostomy. https://heartofiowaostomysupportgroup.org/2025/11/07/holiday-travel/

11/02/2025

Bring you extra supplies in November.

Join our November ostomy supply drive! Help us donate to Friends of Ostomates Worldwide and connect at our monthly meeting.

10/05/2025

https://heartofiowaostomysupportgroup.org/2025/10/01/donate-your-extra-ostomy-supplies/

Join us this month to organize and donate your extra ostomy supplies. Together, we can make a difference in the community!

08/20/2025

We have a new page on our web site with stories from several of our members. https://heartofiowaostomysupportgroup.org/us/

07/25/2025

Advocacy Action Alert! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a dangerous change redefining ostomy and urological supplies to include them in the Competitive Bidding Program. This means limited choices for you or your patients. Imagine being unable to obtain the correct, prescribed supplies you need to live safely and comfortably.
This proposal will restrict your access, remove your freedom of choice, and jeopardize your ability to effectively manage your ostomy. Learn more and take action here: https://www.ostomy.org/take-action/

UOAA strongly opposes this proposal and will be submitting comments and is working with other national groups– but they need to hear from patients like you, beneficiaries, and medical professionals.
Thank you for helping us protect access to essential ostomy supplies!

05/29/2025

You are invited!

Discover essential Peristomal Skin Care tips with expert Cathy Smith. Join our fellowship for invaluable insights and support!

05/04/2025

04/24/2025

Here is a comprehensive series of videos about caring for an ostomy. If you have questions about any of this information reach out to your medical professionals. If you are having a medical emergency call 911.

Learn essential self-care tips for post-operation recovery. Our videos guide you through ostomy pouch management and problem-solving.

04/13/2025

Lisa W's father passed away recently, and she was left with two months of ostomy supplies. She reached out to us and donated the supplies you see in the photo. Our WOC nurses have received them, and they will be distributed to people in need.

Lisa W, we are sorry for your loss and appreciate that you reached out to find a good place for the ostomy supplies.

Last year this group donated 55 ponds of supplies to people in need. Contact us if you have surplus supplies to donate.