The Niagara Ostomy Association was started in 1974 to help people overcome the effects of ostomy surgery and adjust to a normal life. Niagara Ostomy Association uses public buildings for meetings to minimize operating expenses. Members provide mutual support for self-management of their ostomies, raise funds through planned activities sufficient to maintain the Chapter and when sufficient funds are available provide a donation to help send Niagara area youth ostomates to the UOAC Summer Ostomy Youth Camp.
Over the years concerned members have attended UOAC led training programs to become Certified Ostomy Visitors to better support new ostomates regain their self-confidence and morale. In 2006, NOA began a formal Ostomy Visitor Program with a number of members becoming Certified Ostomy Visitors and the Chapter advertising and promoting their service to the Niagara medical community. The program is building as the Chapter receives referrals and requests for visits.
