Bill Text: CA SCR85 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Ostomy Awareness Day.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 59-18)
Status: (Passed) 2023-09-12 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 163, Statutes of 2023. [SCR85 Detail]
Download: California-2023-SCR85-Chaptered.html
Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 85
CHAPTER 163
Relative to Ostomy Awareness Day.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
September 12, 2023.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 85, Niello.
Ostomy Awareness Day.
This measure would proclaim October 7, 2023, as Ostomy Awareness Day.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, An ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the normal function of the digestive or urinary system due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other medical conditions. Ostomies are also necessary in cases of severe abdominal or pelvic trauma resulting from accidents or from injuries sustained during military service. The bodily waste passes through the stoma into an ostomy “pouch” on the outside of the body or, in the case of continent diversion surgeries, an internal, surgically created reservoir; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 725,000 to 1,000,000 Americans have an ostomy with approximately 100,000 new ostomy procedures performed each year; and
WHEREAS, Ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at any age and affects people from all ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Largely through the efforts of United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., and its over 265 affiliated support groups, Americans needing these surgeries are becoming more aware of the opportunities for education, mutual aid, advocacy, and support that are of such great benefit to them and their families; and
WHEREAS, The United States celebrates Ostomy Awareness Day with United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., annually on the first Saturday of October; and
WHEREAS, California is committed to increasing public understanding of ostomy to eventually help dispel the fear of those about to undergo this surgery, as well as the fear that confronts their families. This day can serve as a reminder to the people of California that this is a life-saving and life-restoring surgery; and
WHEREAS, California recognizes the need that public education and awareness is vital to ensure those who are living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal, healthy individuals. Through education and awareness, the myths, stigma, and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with having an ostomy can be erased; and
WHEREAS, California and other government and private sectors are deeply committed to the proper care and advancement of knowledge about bowel and urinary diversion surgery as a result of birth defects, disease, injury, and other digestive disorders; and
WHEREAS, To increase public acceptance of ostomy surgery and continent diversion surgery and to help the people of California better understand that ostomies are lifesavers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims October 7, 2023, as Ostomy Awareness Day and calls upon all residents of California to unite on this day in a showing of support that people living with an ostomy are living proof that ostomies save lives; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
