Visitor Training / Re-training Seminar, Nov 1

An Opportunity for both Fairfax and Fredericksburg Members

Volunteers are needed to provide a service for new ostomates. Usually, the visitor becomes a phone friend with the person requesting help in how to manage an ostomy, and occasionally the two arrange to meet in person. The Visitor Program Committee tries to match the new ostomate and the visitor on gender, ostomy type, age, diagnosis, home address. We have about 60 requests a year; some are for contact with an established ostomate, and others, simply for information. Ostomates with limited time will be pleased to know that this service will not commit you to a great deal of time. On average, our visitors are called to talk with a new ostomate about once per year or once in 2 years. Volunteers are asked to attend a 2-hour training seminar and to retrain every 6 years. 

We welcome anyone who would like to be on our visitor list. Visitors are available to help support someone in managing a urostomy, ileostomy or colostomy. This year, we are especially keen to train men who have colostomies, men and women ostomates with j-pouches, and men who have had reversal surgeries. 

A Training/Re-training seminar is planned for Sunday, November 7 from 3 to 5 pm. This will be a virtual event via zoom. Trainees need to register to receive the link. Sign up by leaving a message with your email address on the OSGNV group phone (703 802-3457), or email Cathey Parker (osgnvllc@cox.net), a codirector of the Support Group Visitor Program.