We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, self-governing organization of volunteers. Members are ostomates, their families, ostomy (ET) nurses, surgical suppliers, physician advisors and other interested persons.
The purpose of the Houston area support group is to aid patients and their families in the practical and emotional adjustments to an ostomy. We offer rehabilitation help but do not provide medical advice. Nothing in this site should be interpreted as medical advice.
The Ostomy Association of the Houston Area has been a special resource and a caring support organization for 60 years, providing new, old and future ostomates with advice regarding rehabilitation, emotional acceptance along with practical advice on caring for an ostomy.What is now known as the Ostomy Association of the Houston Area started in 1956 meeting in members’ homes and was called the QT Club. As the group grew, it met at various places around the city of Houston. The group became a Chapter of the United Ostomy Association in the 1960s and hosted regional UOA conferences in 1975 and 1993. The organization has satellite groups in Baytown and in Northwest Houston. Due to the disbanding of the national UOA organization in 2005, the Board of the Houston Chapter formed its own non-profit corporation and obtained tax-exempt status with the IRS and the State of Texas, and is now known as the Ostomy Association of the Houston Area. We then became an Affiliated Support Group with the United Ostomy Association of Associations. We have one of the few J-Pouch support groups in Houston. The group has maintained a Certified Visitor’s program which averages 30 in-person and telephone visits per year. Certified Visitors are requested by area doctors, nurses, social workers and family members for ostomy patients. Just seeing or speaking with someone with an ostomy and being able to ask questions can be very reassuring when facing this daunting surgery. The OAHA has sponsored children, nurses and counselors attending the annual national Youth Rally. We have also supported WOC nurse training with tuition and books.
Monthly meetings and a monthly newsletter have informed and educated ostomates along with their families and healthcare team members for 60 years. Our brochure and newsletter have been key methods to explain the organization’s services and to provide contact information. The group survives on membership fees and donations from members and their families. We also are grateful for the specialized medical suppliers who help sponsor the newsletter and website.
Upon request from a doctor, nurse, social worker, or patient, a specially trained visitor will be asked to contact an ostomy patient by phone or visit them in person before or after surgery. The visitor will be matched as nearly as possible according to sex, age, and type of ostomy. The visitor does not give medical advice, and there is no charge for this service. Please contact Denise Parsons at 713-824-8841 for more information.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide ostomy supplies.
Ostomy Association of the Houston Area, PO Box 25164, Houston, TX 77265-5164
Phone: (713) 824-8841