Page 16 - OASC March 2021 Newsletter

What to do with Unused Ostomy Supplies...
by Eric Polsinelli, VeganOstomy.ca
Sometimes we keep too much “stuff ” around, and sometimes that stuff includes ostomy supplies. Many ostomates hold onto extra supplies until they pass their expiry date (yes, ostomy supplies DO expire), or we throw out perfectly good products that are of no use to us. I don’t think this is a huge problem in Canada, as we have to pay for supplies and tend to hang onto what we have, but there are many people who’ve had a temporary stoma or receive scheduled supply deliveries, so they’ll likely have a lot of unneeded products piling up in a drawer or closet somewhere in their home.
Here are some ideas to help put those supplies to good use...
Bioactive, Interactive, Reactive — these are all words researchers use to describe the transformative properties of hydrocolloids. Fundamentally, they are just what they sound like:
} Ask a friend if they can use them. Chances are, you likely have other ostomate friends (especially if you’re part of a local ostomy group). Some might be using the same products you have, so ask if they’d like to take any extras off your hands. This can also be a great time for them to try products that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get samples of.
} Donate those supplies! There are several international aid organizations that will accept unused medical and ostomy supplies. Here are a few, but you can likely find others in your country by doing an internet search.
• Friends of Ostomates Worldwide USA https://www.fowusa.org/donate-supplies/ • Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada http://www.fowc.ca/donations/
• Osto Group (USA) https://www.ostogroup.org/donations
• Jacob’s Well Appeal (UK) https://jacobswellappeal.org/get-involved-2/
• GoodHealthwill (USA) http://www.goodhealthwill.org/
• Med-EQ (USA) http://www.med-eq.org/
• Ostomy 2-1-1 (USA) https://www.ostomy211.org/
• Kindred Box (USA) https://www.kindredbox.org/donate-ostomy-supplies
} Ask your local ostomy support group. Many groups will take in unused supplies to give to members who may not be able to afford the cost of purchasing wafers, pouches or accessories.
} Ask your ET nurse. Sometimes, your ostomy nurse will have patients who are struggling to afford new supplies. See if they’ll take your unwanted stuff.
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