The Ostomy Association of San Diego, Inc, founded in 1958, is a registered non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization established to provide mutual aid and rehabilitation to persons who have undergone bowel or bladder ostomy or related surgeries (colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, Kock pouch, J pouch, etc.). It was incorporated March 17, 1960, as "The Ileostomy and Colostomy Group of San Diego County"; the name has been changed twice since then. Membership is open to all interested persons, including those who have undergone one or more of the surgeries, their relatives and friends, medical professionals, and representatives of companies which manufacture or market ostomy supplies and prosthetic devices.

The Association is affiliate #200 of the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., (UOAA), which is a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States.

The Association holds meetings in the months of January, March, June, September, and November, as well as an annual brunch in May. It publishes a newsletter, The Right Connection, and provides trained visitors for persons who are contemplating, or have had, ostomy or related surgery. The newsletter contains current information about the Association, articles about ostomy care and rehabilitation, and addresses and phone numbers for persons, companies, and organizations involved in ostomy rehabilitation. Its meetings usually have a short business session, an informative presentation of interest to ostomy patients (often by a medical professional), and breakout sessions, at which patients with similar surgeries may discuss rehabilitation techniques with other patients or a nurse trained in ostomy care. Visitors to prospective or new ostomy patients (who need not be members) are matched as closely as possible for surgery type, gender, and age. Our visitors have received special training in making such visits, and must have been requested by an attending surgeon, doctor, or ostomy nurse.

Membership in the Ostomy Association of San Diego, Inc, is open to all interested persons. Members receive the The Right Connection newsletter, are encouraged to attend the educational meetings, and may receive one-on-one visits as needed. To become a member, send your check for $10.00 annual dues, along with the information requested below, to the Association.