Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily share with us, such as:

• Name and email for resource downloads and community updates
• Stories, tips, or experiences you choose to share
• Communications sent to our team
• Feedback and survey responses

Automatically Collected Information

We may collect certain information automatically, including:

• Website usage patterns and popular content
• Device and browser information
• Pages visited and resources accessed
• General location information (city/state level only)

How We Use Your Information

We use information to:

• Provide resources and community support
• Send resource downloads and community updates
• Improve our content based on what's most helpful
• Create better resources for young adults with ostomies
• Ensure a safe and supportive community environment
• Comply with legal requirements

Community Content and Sharing

If you choose to share your story or experiences:

• We will always ask for explicit permission before featuring your content
• You can request anonymization of any personal details
• You maintain ownership of your story
• You can request removal of your content at any time
• We may edit content for clarity or length (with your approval)

Information Sharing and Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy:

• We never sell your information - Your privacy is not a product
• Information is only shared with your explicit consent
• We use trusted service providers for email and website hosting (under strict privacy agreements)
• We comply with legal obligations when required
• All identifying medical information is kept strictly confidential

Medical Privacy and Sensitivity

We understand the sensitive nature of health information:

• No medical information is required to access our resources
• Any health details you choose to share are kept confidential
• We never share specific medical information without explicit consent
• Community submissions are reviewed for privacy protection

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures including:

• Secure data transmission (SSL encryption)
• Limited access to personal information
• Regular security reviews
• Prompt notification if any security issues occur

Your Rights and Control

You have full control over your information:

• Access any information we have about you
• Correct any inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Unsubscribe from communications anytime
• Withdraw consent for any previously shared content
• Request anonymization of any shared experiences

Age and Community Guidelines

Young Ostomate Collective is designed for young adults (18-35):

• Users under 18 should have parent/guardian consent
• We moderate content to maintain a supportive environment
• We reserve the right to remove content that violates community guidelines
• Personal attacks or discriminatory content will be removed

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies to:

• Understand which resources are most helpful
• Remember your preferences
• Improve website functionality
• Analyze general usage patterns (no individual tracking)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party services for:

• Email delivery for resources and updates
• Website hosting and security
• Anonymous analytics to improve our content

All third-party services are required to protect your privacy.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. We will:

• Notify the community of any significant changes
• Post updates clearly on this page
• Update the "last modified" date
• Give you time to review changes before they take effect

Medical and Peer Support Disclaimer

Young Ostomate Collective provides peer support and educational information only. Content shared represents personal experiences and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual experiences may vary significantly. Always consult with your healthcare team for personal medical decisions.