This topic is about the desire to restart or create an ostomy support group in Rhode Island, especially after the disruptions caused by COVID-19. The person interested in this initiative is facing challenges as previous groups have stopped, and they are encountering difficulties in finding guidance on how to proceed. They are eager to help fellow ostomates and are looking for ways to overcome these obstacles.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. Try to get in touch with the person who used to run the Rhode Island ostomy support group. They might still have contact lists and could suggest possible venues for meetings.

2. Reach out to the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA.org). They are known to actively assist in starting or restarting local support groups.

3. Talk to local stoma (WOC) nurses and ask them to refer interested patients or share details about upcoming meetings. Nurses are often the first point of contact for new ostomates and can be a valuable resource.

4. Provide stoma nurses with links to online resources, such as forums, so they can share these with patients. This can help build interest and momentum for an in-person group.

5. There is another ostomate in Rhode Island who is interested in joining a revived group. They used to attend the ostomy clinic near Miriam Hospital, although the nurse there has since retired.