|
Resources
& Contacts for Health Organizations
See also
Monthly Health Awareness Notices
Please
view our online disclaimer regarding information.
·ADOPTION
See
also PREGNANCY
Bethany
Christian Services
800-238-4269
Services for women considering adoption. Free
pregnancy counseling.
National
Adoption Center
800-862-3678
215-735-9988
in Pennsylvania
Promotes adoption opportunities through-out
the US, particularly for children with special needs. Links all state adoption agencies. Addresses
adoption and child welfare issues.
·
AGING
National
Council on Aging
800-424-9046
Information on family care-giving, senior employment,
long-term care, etc.
National
Institute on Aging Information Center
800-222-2225
Information about healthy aging. Provides literature and referrals to
organizations
dealing
with specific age-related illnesses.
·
AIDS...HIV
AIDS
Clinical Trials Information Service
800-874-2572
Information on federally and privately sponsored
clinical trials for AIDS patients and those
with HIV infection. Sponsored by Centers for
Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
and National Library of Medicine.
National
AIDS Clearinghouse
800-4585231
Classifies and distributes information and educational
materials...provides assistance to AIDS
prevention professionals. Service of the Centers
for Disease Control.
·
ALCOHOLISM
See also
DRUG ABUSE
Al-Anon
Family Group Headquarters
800-35~9996
Offers publications aimed at helping families dealing with alcoholism.
American
Council on Alcoholism
800-527-5344
Treatment referrals and counseling for recovering
alcoholics and their families.
·
ALLERGY...ASTHMA
See
LUNG DISEASE...ALLERGY...
ASTHMA
·
ALZHEIMER'S
DISEASE
Alzheimer's
Association
800-272-3900
Makes referrals to local chapters and support groups. Publications
available.
Alzheimer's
Disease Education and Referral
Center
800-4384380
Information and literature on Alzheimer's. Sponsored
by National Institute on Aging.
·
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis
Foundation Information Line
800-283-7800
Provides information on arthritis and makes
referrals to local chapters.
·
CANCER
See also NUTRITION
American
Cancer Society Response Line
800-227-2345
Publications
and information on cancer. Makes
local referrals to local chapters of the American Cancer Society for support
services.
Cancer Information Service
800-422-6237
Answers
questions from the public, cancer patients, their families and health
professionals.
Y-Me
Breast Cancer Support Program
800-221-2141
Provides
breast cancer patients with pre-surgery counseling, treatment
information, peer support, self-help counseling and literature.
·
CEREBRAL PALSY
United
Cerebral Palsy Association
800-872-5827
Answers
questions and provides literature about cerebral palsy, including living with
the illness, support groups for patients and families. Referrals to doctors and
treatment centers.
·
CHEMICALS...PESTICIDES
See also SAFETY
National
Pesticide Telecommunications Network
800-8587378
Responds
to nonemergency questions about the pesticides, toxicology and symptoms,
environmental effects, disposal and cleanup and safe use of pesticides...and
emergency questions from home owners, medical professionals and
veterinarians. Service of Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Tech
University.
·
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Human Growth Foundation
800-451-6434/703-883-1773
in northern Virginia
Provides
parent education, supports research and promotes awareness of physical and
emotional problems of short people. Offers literature on child growth
abnormalities.
·
CHILD SAFETY...
MISSING CHILDREN
Child
Find of America, Inc.
800-426-5678:
Looks for missing and abducted children.
800-292-9688:
Crisis mediation in parental abduction and information on prevention.
Covenant House Nineline
800-999-9999
Crisis
line for youth and their families. Makes referrals throughout the US.
Information on drugs, physical or sexual abuse, homelessness, runaway children.
Message relays.
National Child Abuse Hotline
800-422-4453
Provides
crisis intervention and counseling on child abuse. Referrals to local
counseling.
National Child Safety Council Childwatch
800-222-1464
Information
and literature on safety, including drug abuse, household dangers,
electricity and more. Sponsor of the missing kids milk carton program.
·
CLEFT PALATE
Cleft Palate
Foundation
800-242-5338
Information
for parents and health professionals, referrals to support groups...lists of
plastic surgeons, dentists and speech pathologists. Does not make referrals to
physicians.
·
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation
800·344-4823
Responds to patient and family questions. Provides literature. Referrals
to clinics.
·
DEPRESSION
See
MENTAL HEALTH
·
DIABETES
American
Diabetes Association
800-232-3472
703-549-1500
in Virginia
Provides information on health education and referrals to support-group
assistance.
Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation
International
Hotline
800-223-1138
212-785-9595 in New York
Answers
questions and provides brochures about juvenile diabetes. Makes referrals to
local chapters, physicians and clinics.
·
DIGESTIVE DISEASES
Crohn's and
Colitis Foundation of America
800-932-2423
212-685-3440 in New York
Provides educational materials on Crohn's disease and
colitis. Makes referrals to local support groups and physicians.
·
DISABILITIES
See also
HEARING AND SPEECH
HEATH
Resource Center
800-544-3284
202-939-9320 in Washington, DC
Information on post-secondary education for the handicapped and
learning-disabled.
Job
Accommodation Network
800-526-7234
800-526-2262 in Canada
Ideas for accommodating handicapped persons in the workplace and
information on availability of accommodation aids and procedures.
National
Clearinghouse on Family
Support and
Children's Mental Health
800-628-1696
Makes referrals to local support groups. Provides general and financial
information.
National Easter Seal Society
800-221-6827
312-726-6200 in Illinois
Provides rehabilitative and other support services to help children and
adults with disabilities achieve maximum independence.
National
Information Clearinghouse for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening
Conditions
800-922-1107 in South Carolina
Makes referrals to support groups and financial, medical, legal and
educational assistance for families with disabled children.
National
Rehabilitation Information
800-346-2742
301-5889284 in Maryland
Provides
literature searches and referrals to local organizations and disseminates
rehabilitation-related information to disabled people.
·
DOWN'S SYNDROME
National
Down's Syndrome Congress
800-232-6372
Answers questions about Down’s syndrome. Makes referrals to local
organizations.
National
Down's Syndrome Society
800-221-4602
Provides information on Down's syndrome and makes referrals to local
programs.
·
DRUG ABUSE
Adcare
Hospital Helpline
800-252-6465
Provides information about and referrals for alcohol and other drug
concerns.
Center for
Substance Abuse
Treatment--National
Drug Hotline
800-662-4357
Information on drug abuse and AIDS as it relates to intravenous drug
users.
Offers
referrals to drug-rehahilitation centers. Service of National Institute on Drug
Abuse.
National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information
800-729-6686
301-468-2600 in Marylarld
Provides information on alcohol- and drug-related subjects. Sponsored by
Center for Subtance Abuse Prevention.
·
DYSLEXIA
The Orton
Dyslexia Society
800-222-3123
Information
on testing and computers to aid those with dyslexia and other disorders.
·
ENDOMETRIOSIS
See WOMEN
·
ENVIRONMENT
Indoor Air
Quality Clearinghouse
800-438-4318
Information about indoor air quality including the health effects of
passive smoke, formaldehyde and various pollutants.
National
Lead Information Center Hotline
800-532-3394
Provides
information about lead poisoning prevention…referrals to state and local
agencies.
National
Radon Hotline
800-SOS-RADON
Answers questions and provides information on how to detect and reduce
radon in your home. Operated by Natinal Safety Council.
Safe
Drinking Water Hotline
800-426-4791
Provides general and technical information on safe drinking water
regulations. Makes referrals to other EPA orginizations. Does not provide site
specific information on water quality or testing.
·
EPILEPSY
The
Epilepsy Foundation of America
800-332-1000
Provides
information on epilepsy and makes referrals to local chapters.
·
ETHICS
Joseph and Rose Kennedy Institute of
Ethics, National Reference Center for
Bioethics
Literature, Georgetown University
800-633-3849
202-687-3885 in Washington, DC
Provides reference assistance and conducts free searches on bioethical
topics.
·
FIRE PREVENTION
National Fire Protection Association
800-344-3555
Develops fire-protection codes and standards and provides information on
fire prevention, firefighting procedures and fire safety.
·
FOOD SAFETY
FDA Center far Food Safety and
Applied
Nutrition Hotline
800-332-4010
Answers general questions about food safety and specific illnesses caused
by bacteria infood.
Meat and Poultry Hotline
800-535-4555
Provides hints on handling, preparation, storage and cooking of meat,
poultry and eggs. Sponsored by US Department of Agriculture.
·
GENERAL HEALTH
Medic Alert Foundation
800-432-5378
Emergency service for people who, because of injury, illness or
disability, may be unable to speak for themselves. Members wear numbered Medic
Alert bracelets or necklaces.
National Health Information Center
800-33~4797
Central source of information and refenal for questions from health
educators, health professionals and the general public. Service of the Office of
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human
Services.
Rural Information Center Health Service
800-633-7701
301-504-5547 in Washington, DC area
Provides information and referrals to the public and professionals.
Focuses on the delivery of health services in rural areas.
· GRIEF
Grief
Recovery Institute
800-445-4808
Provides counseling services on coping with loss.
·
HEAD INJURY...HEADACHE
National Headache Foundation
80~843-2256
Literature on various headache causes and treatment.
National Head & Brain Injury Family Helpline
800-444-6443
Dedicated to improving quality of life of head and brain injury victims
and their families.
·
HEARING AND SPEECH
Dial-a-Hearing Screening Test
800-222-3277
Answers questions on hearing problems and makes referrals to local
numbers for a two-minute hearing test. Makes referrals to organizations with
information on hearing problems.
· Hearing Helpline
800-327-9355
703-642-0580 in Virginia
Information on better hearing and preventing deafness. Service of Better
Hearing Institute.
Hear Now
800-6484327
Distributes reconditioned hearing aids. Provides services for
hearing-impaired people who do not have the financial resources to purchase
aids.
John Tracy Clinic
800-522-4582
Diagnostic, rehabilitative and educational services to preschool deaf
children and their families via on-site services, and to preschool
deaf
and deaf-blind via correspondence courses.
Lead Line
80~352-8888
800-287-4763
in California
Information on deafness and raising and educating a deaf child. Referrals
to parents, professionals and resources.
Meniere's Network
800-5454327,ext.301
Information about Meniere's disease.
·
HOSPICE CARE
Children's Hospice International
800-242-4453
Provides support and information for health care professionals, families
and organizations for hospice care to terminally ill children.
Hospice Education Institute Hospice Link
800-331-1620
Provides information about hospice care and makes referrals to local
programs.
·
HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
Huntington's
Disease Society of America
800-345-4372
Offers information on the disease and makes referrals to local chapters.
Answers questions on presymptomatic testing.
·
IMPOTENCE/PROSTATE
Impotence
Information Center
800-843-4315, impotence information
800-543-9632, prostate information
Free information to prospective patients about causes of and treatments
for impotence.
·
INSURANCE. ..MEDICARE
Medicare
Telephone Hotline
800-638-6833
Gives information on Medicare issues and Medigap insurance. A service of
the
Health
Care Financing Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services.
National
Insurance Consumer Helpline
800-942-4242
Represents life, health, property and casualty insurance companies.
Information on policies and technical language.
·
KIDNEY DISEASE
See
UROLOGICAL DISORDERS
·
LIBRARY SERVICES
Captioned
Films/Videos Program
800-237-6213
Captioned films for the deaf and the hearing impaired.
National Library of Medicine
800-272-4787
The world's largest medical library provides referrals to a network of
3,000-plus medical libraries nationwide. Operates on-line computer databases of
health-related information.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
800-424-8567
Network of 56 regional and 100+ local libraries that work with Library of
Congress to provide library services to the visually or physically impaired.
Audio and Braille formats.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
800-221-4792
Serves those who can't read standard print because of a learning or
physical disability. Provides textbooks on tape and computer diskettes.
·
LIVER DISEASES
American Liver Foundation
800-223-0179
Provides fact sheets and other information. Offers physician and support
group referrals.
·
LUNG DISEASE...ALLERGY...
ASTHMA
-
Allergy and Asthma Information Line
800-822-2762
Provides written materials on asthma and allergies. Service of American
Academy of Allergy and Immunology.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Information
Clearinghouse
800-727-8462
Provides general information, publications and videos and referrals to
physicians.
Lung Line Information Service
800-222-5864
Information about asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, allergies,
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory and immune system disorders.
Service of National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine.
·
LUPUS
Lupus Foundation of America
800-5580121
Answers
basic questions about the disease and provides health professionals and patients
and their families with information and literature. Makes referrals to local
affliates.
·
MEDICARE
See
INSURANCE...MEDICARE
·
MENTAL HEALTH
Depression Awareness
800-421-4211
Free literature about depression, its debilitating effects on society and
information about where to get effective treatments. Operated by National
Institute of Mental Health.
National
Foundation for Depressive Illness
800-2484344
Describes symptoms of depression and offers sufferers information and
physician referrals.
National Mental Health Association
800-969-6642
Referrals to mental health groups, provides information and warning signs
of illness.
·
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
800-532-7667
Information on issues relating to MS.
·
IMYASTHENIA GRAVIS
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
800-541-5454
Information about services for myasthenia gravis patients. Promotes
public awareness.
·
NUTRITION
American Dietetic Association Hotline
800-36~1655
Dietetic and nutrition information.
American Institute for Cancer Research Nutrition Hotline
800-843-8114
Provides educational resources regarding diet, nutrition and prevention
of cancer...help for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
·
ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTS
See
also UROLOGICAL DISORDERS
The Living
Bank
800-528-2971
Registry and referrals for those who want to donate tissues, bones or
vital organs for trans plantation or research. General information about organ
donation and transplantation.
National
Marrow Donor Program
800-627-7692
Recruits donors and provides information to patients in need of a marrow
transplant.
Organ Donor
Hotline
800-243-6667
Provides information and makes referrals for organ donation and
transplantation. Answers requests about organ donor cards.
·
PARALYSIS AND
SPINAL
CORD INJURY
See
also DISABILITIES
American
Paralysis Association
800-225-0292
Funds research seeking to find a cure for paralysis.
National
Rehabilitation Information Center
800-346-2742
Research referrals and information on rehabilitation issues and concerns.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
800~962-9629
Information on research. Referrals to local chapters and other
organizations. Mails out New Injury and General Information packets.
· PARKINSON'S DISEASE
National Parkinson Foundation
800-327-4545
800-433-7022 in Florida
Nurses answer questions about the disease. Provides physician referrals
and materials.
Parkinson's
Disease Foundation
800-457-6676
Provides newsletters, glossary of definitions, videotape and publications
catalogs. Offers patient support group information and physician referrals.
·
PHYSICIANS
American
Board of Medical Specialists
800-733-2267
Verifies board certification of physicians.
·
PLASTIC SURGERY
American
Society for Dermatologic Surgery
800-441-2737
Information about skin disorders and procedures. Makes referrals to
dermatologic surgeons in local areas.
Plastic
Surgery Information Service
800-635-0635
Referrals to board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States and
Canada. Offers brochures and pamphlets describing plastic surgery procedures and
the realistic results of some operations. Sponsored by American Society of
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
·
PREGNANCY
See also
WOMEN
ASPO/Lamaze
(American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics)
800-368-4404
Offers a list of local certified childbirth educators.
Planned
Parenthood
800-230-7526
Automatically connects caller to local oftice of Planned Parenthood.
Provides written information and videotapes on various topics relating
to
pregnancy, birth control, talking to young people about sex, etc.
RARE
DISORDERS
National
Organization for Rare Disorders
800-999-6673
Provides information on symptoms, standard and experimental therapies,
statistics and voluntary agencies for all rare disorders. Offers information on
networking programs and provides referrals to other organizations for disorders.
Office of
Orphan Products Development
800-300-7469
Answers about drugs used for illnesses affecting fewer than 200,000
Americans. Provides referrals to pharmaceutical companies that supply
orphan drugs. Sponsored by the FDA.
American Leprosy Missions(Hansen's Disease)
800-543-3135
Answers questions and distributes materials. Assists in raising funds for
patients.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association
800-782-4747
Provides names of support groups and locations of clinics. Distributes
literature.
Batten Disease Support
800-4484570
Provides counseling, newsletters, literature, referrals to support
groups, organizations and doctors.
Cooley's Anemia Foundation
800-522-7222
Provides information on patient care, research, fund-raising, support
groups and research grants. Referrals to local chapters.
Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Foundation
800-223-8355
Provides materials to families, friends and professionals.
Histiocytosis Association
800-5482758
Patient and family support, newsletter,brochures, information, patient directory, regional meetings.
National Lymphedema Network
800-541-3259
Provides information about lymphedema and other types of vein disorders. Also provides referrals to treatment centers specializing in these disorders.
National Neurofibromatosis Foundation
800-323-7938
Responds to inquiries from health professionals, patients and their families.
Referrals to physicians on clinical advisory board.
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
800-233-7393
Provides awareness materials to the public and the medical community and
offers guidance and counseling to Reye's patients.
National Tuberous Sclerosis Association
800-225-6872
Answers questions and makes parent-to-parent contact referrals to help families of children with this disease. Literature for families and medical professionals.
Sickle Cell Disease Assoc. of America
800-421-8453
Provides genetic counseling and an information packet.
Spina Bifida Association of America
Information and Referral Hotline
800-621-3141
Provides information to consumers and health professionals and also makes referrals to local association chapters and treatment clinics.
Sturge-Weber Foundation
800-627-5482
Provides list of publications, long-distance support groups and referrals for family, friends and professionals.
Tourette's Syndrome Association
800-237-0717
24-hour recording to request information and obtain referrals to local physicians.
To speak directly with a staff member, call 718-224-2999.
United Scleroderma Foundation
800-722-4673
List of publications, chapters in US and general information.
SAFETY
See also CHEMICALS...PESTICIDES
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Auto Safety Hotline
800-424-9393
Provides information on safety belts, child-safety seats and automobile recalls.
Also provides referrals to other government agencies that offer information about automobile warranties and service as well as auto safety regulations.
National Safety Council
800-621-7619
Provides posters, brochures and videocassettes on safety and accident prevention.
US Coast Guard Information Hotline
800-368-5647
Information on boating safety, including a kit for consumers and recalls of boating products. Provides referrals to boating organizations.
US Consumer Product Safety
Commission Hotline
800-6382772
Provides 24-hour recording about consumer product safety, including product hazards and product defects as well as injuries caused by products. Covers only products used in and around the home, excluding automobiles, foods, drugs, cosmetics, boats and firearms.
· SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
DISEASES (STDs)
National STD Hotline
800-227-8922 | http://www.ashastd.org/NSTD/
Information regarding sexually transmitted diseases. Provides referrals to community clinics that offer low-cost examinations and treatment. Sponsored by Centers for Disease Control.
· SPINAL CORD INJURY
See PARALYSIS
· STROKE
See also PARALYSIS
American Heart Association
Stroke Connection
800-553-6321
Provides materials to stroke survivors including books, publications and stroke club information.
· STUTTERING
National Center for Stuttering
800-221-2483
Provides information and treatment for people who stutter...and training for speech professionals.
Stuttering Foundation of America
800-992-9392
Provides materials and makes referrals to speech-language pathologists.
· SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)
American SIDS Institute
800-232-7437
800-847-7437 in Georgia
Answers inquiries from families and physicians, distributes literature and makes referrals.
SIDS Alliance
800-221-7437
Provides literature on SIDS and SIDS support groups. Makes referrals.
· TRAUMA
American Trauma Society (ATS)
800~55~7890
301-42~4189 in Maryland
Information for health professionals and the public on ATS activities. Provides answers to questions about trauma and medical emergencies.
· UROLOGICAL DISORDERS
American Association of Kidney Patients
800-749-2257
Helps renal patients and their families deal with the impact of kidney disease.
American Foundation for Urologic Disorders
800-242-2383
Provides written information and referrals for individuals with urologic diseases.
National Kidney Foundation
800-622-9010
Information and referrals regarding kidney disorders.
· VISION
American Council of the Blind
800-424-8666
202-467-5081 in Washington, DC
Information on blindness. Gives referrals to clinics, rehabilitation organizations, research centers and local chapters. Publishes resource lists.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
800-232-5463
Information on visual impairments and blindness and on AFB services, products and publications.
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
800-548-4337
School for blind people requiring guide dogs.
Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB)
800-638-7518
Nationwide reference and referral service for any questions concerning employment and blindness. Free materials available.
The Lighthouse National Center for Vision and Aging
800-334-5497
Technical assistance, consultation and educational materials for the elderly with visual impairments.
National Association for Parents of the
Visually Impaired
800-562-6265
Provides support and information to parents of visually impaired and multihandicapped individuals.
National Keratoconus Foundation
800-521-2524 | http://www.nkcf.org/
Provides support and information about keratoconus to patients, their families,
and eye care professionals.
National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation
800-683-5555
Answers questions and provides an information packet on the disease. Covers genetics, current research and retina donor programs.
· WOMEN
Endometriosis Association
800-992-3636
24-hour recording for callers to request information.
PMS Access
800-222-4767
Recording provides information on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Literature
available. Makes referrals to local physicians and clinics. Service of Madison Pharmacy Associates.
Women's Sports Foundation
800-227-3988
Information on women's sports, physical fitness and sports medicine.

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