The Healing Power of Self Help - An Ostomy Halifax Society Story of Support and Governance
Founders Ruth Kenny and Betty Yetman in the middle
The very first ostomy support group was formed in a hospital ward of a New York City hospital which specialized in the long-term treatment and care of soldiers who had suffered abdominal wounds during World War II. News of the success of this self-help group spread quickly. These new groups recognized that they could accomplish more by working together and so the United Ostomy Association Inc. (UOA) was founded in 1962 with participation of people with ostomies throughout Canada and the United States.
The first ostomy support group in eastern Canada was officially formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1973. It was admitted as an autonomous affiliated member of the UOA Inc and was incorporated under provincial legislation as UOA Inc Nova Scotia Chapter. Our first President was Bette Yetman, followed in 1976 by Ruth Kenney, who is still very active in our group. Halifax is one of almost 100 communities across Canada that provides regular opportunities for people living with an ostomy to support each other.
During the past six decades, ostomy support groups have sprung up wherever there is a need. Many of these groups continue to thrive. In just three years from now, the members of Ostomy Halifax will be celebrating 50 years of self-help and mutual support. We can all be very proud that Ostomy Halifax has grown to become one of the most successful ostomy support groups in the world. We have almost 300 members and our monthly meetings are consistently well attended. We continue to attract new members and we reach out to potential members through activities such as awareness events, the Visitor Program, and the Youth Camp. Our members support the national organization, Ostomy Canada, as well as local health-related organizations.
We cannot take this success for granted. In many communities where ostomy support groups have formed, they have filled a need for mutual support, then withered and eventually disbanded. What are the factors behind our success?
People come to us looking for information and support. They stay with us for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is the opportunity to give back and share their experiences with newcomers. Studies of self-help groups have shown that the single most important factor in determining the success of a self-help group is shared leadership. Our founders, Bette Yetman and Ruth Kenney, recognized this very early and established term limits for our President. This decision to share the leadership means that our new leaders can always draw on the experience of past-presidents. Any member of the group can take a turn as President and know that there is an exit strategy. Each incoming President brings their own unique experience and strengths to share with the group. Our past-presidents are able to focus their time and energy on those activities for which they have a true passion. Sharing leadership prevents burn-out.
The Ostomy Halifax Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held on Sunday February 2, 2020. The most important item of business is the election of new officers. There are vacancies for Vice-President and Secretary which need to be filled. There are also committee leaders who are looking for a change. The leadership team that we elect will be guiding us to the celebration of our 50th anniversary. This is your opportunity to answer the call.
We conduct a monthly business meeting on the third Saturday morning of each month in Room 5132 of the Dickson Building from 9:00 am until 11:00 am followed by a casual lunch. These meetings are open to all of our members. Plan to drop in and see how you can be part of our shared leadership team.
Ed Tummers