Free
Air Travel for Patients and Their Families
Patient.org and its related help-line serves to make referrals
and provide assistance for any financially challenged patient needing to
travel to a distant specialized medical facility for evaluation, diagnosis,
or treatment. Patients and their accompanying family members may make multiple
trips back and forth to distant specialized care and there is no age limit.
If the travel distance is 1000 miles or less, a referral will be made to
an Angel Flight America program where 4000 volunteer pilots are available
to provide private or corporate aircraft travel at no cost. If the patient
must travel more than 1000 miles or is unable to fly on light aircraft,
a referral is made to the most appropriate, charitable airline ticket program.
These programs provide free or highly discounted reduced-rate tickets. The
National Patient Ticket HELPLINE is staffed Monday through Friday 9 a.m.
-5 p.m. Eastern time. After hours, a message recorder is available and response
time is 10 minutes, if the message is urgent. Contact PatientTravel.org,
Mercy Medical Airlift, 4620 Haygood Road, Suite 1, Virginia Beach, VA 23455;
757-318-9174; 800-296-1217 (toll-free); Fax: 757-318-9107; National Patient
Ticket HELPLINE: 1-800-325-8908; {mercymedical@erols.com};
{www.patientravel.org}.
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Air
Care Assistance
The Air Care Alliance is a nationwide organization of those pilots who
volunteer to fly to provide assistance for health care, patient transportation
or other volunteer missions. The website provides a listing of programs
providing medical transportation, non-patient transports, and ways to
volunteer. To locate information on the program near you, contact Air
Care Alliance, 6202 South Lewis Ave., Suite F2, Tulsa, OK 74136; 918-745-0384;
888-260-9707; {www.aircareall.org}.
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Support
Group for Burn Survivors
The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors provides peer support,
education, collaboration and advocacy. Contact Phoenix Society for Burn
Survivors, 2153 Wealthy SE #215, Grand Rapids, MI 49506; 800-888-BURN;
{www.phoenix-society.org}.
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Plastic
Surgery Assistance for Victims
Physicians
affiliated with the American Association of Facial-Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery have volunteered to help victims of the World Trade Center and
Pentagon tragedies. A list of physicians is currently being compiled.
Contact American Association of Facial-Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,
310 S. Henry Street
Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-299-9291; Fax: 703-299-8898; {www.facial-plastic-surgery.org/inthenews.asp}.
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Fund
Established to Aid Victims in the Washington, D.C. area
The Community Foundation of the National Capital Region (CFNCP) provides
grant monies to nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, "The Survivors
Fund" has been established by the CFNCP and will focus on the long-term
education, health, income maintenance and other needs of individual victims
and their families in the Washington, D.C. area. Contact Community Foundation
of the National Capital Region, 1112 16th St., N.W. #340, Washington,
DC 20036; 202-955-5890; {www.cfncr.org}.
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3
Million Seniors & Disabled Don't Apply for Their Free $1,000 For Health
Care
Each year over 3 million eligible seniors and people with disabilities
fail to apply for a little-known program that will give them up to an
extra $1,051 in their Social Security check. That's how much the government
deducts from their Social Security to pay for their Medicare premiums.
It amounts to $87.60 a month for couples and $43.80 for individuals. There
are three basic programs:
1) Pays for
Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments under the Qualified Medicare
Beneficiaries (QMBs) plan.
2) Pays for Medicare Part B premiums under the Specified Low-Income Medicare
Beneficiaries (SLMBs) plan.
3) Pays for Medicare Part B premiums under the Qualified Individuals Plan
for people with incomes up to $14,892.
Studies show
that only 5,000 of the 500,000 eligible apply for this program. With so
few eligible people applying, it's understandable that many people don't
know about this program.
Here's where
to go. Contact your local Social Security Office. If they don't know,
contact your state Office of Social Services. You can also contact the
Medicare Hotline and request the publication, Guide to Health Insurance
for People With Medicare. Contact Medicare Hotline at 800-638-6833; {www.medicare.gov}.
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Discounts
On Dental And Vision Care
If you live near a university that has a dental or optometry school, then
you may be in luck. Many of these schools offer reduced fee services for
dental care or vision screening. You will receive treatment from students,
but they will be supervised by some of the best people in the field.
These schools
also often conduct research studies, so you if you qualify, you may be
able to receive treatment for free. My eleven-year-old daughter gets glasses,
contacts, plus free contact solution for three years, because she is part
of a study on nearsightedness in children. Not a bad deal! To locate schools
near you, you can contact American Association of Dental Schools, 1625
Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 60, Washington, DC 20036; 202-667-9433;
[www.aads.jhu.edu]. You can also
contact American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis,
MO 63141; 314-991-4100; [www.aoanet.org].
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Free Flu Shots
Who should get flu shots? The U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends
it for
- adults
over 65
- residents
of nursing home
- persons
over 6 months of age with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disorders,
including asthma
- persons
over 6 months of age with chronic metabolic diseases including diabetes,
renal dysfunction, hemoglobinipathies, immunosupressive or immunodeficiency
disorders
- women
in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during flu season
- persons
6 months to 18 years receiving aspirin therapy
- groups,
including household members and care givers who can infect high risk
persons
Almost anyone
can get free or low cost ($10-$15) flu shots from their county health
office or other community sources. Some doctors, like Dr. Donald McGee
in New Hampshire {www.drmcgee.com},
offer free shots in their office. Medicare Part B also pays for flu shots.
Contact your
county office of public health listed in your telephone book or your state
Department of Health. If you have trouble finding a local low cost source,
or would like more information on the flu vaccine, contact the National
Immunization Information Hotline at 800-232-2522 (English); 800-232-0233
(Spanish); TTY: 800-243-7889; {www.cdc.gov/nip}.
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$1,300
Worth Of Dental Care For Seniors and Disabled
The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped started the Donated
Dental Services program to help disabled and elderly persons who are low-income
by matching them with volunteer dentists. Homeless and mentally ill people
are also helped. Volunteer
dentists agree to treat one or two people each year with dental problems,
and dental laboratories that make dentures, crowns, and bridges also donate
services. The program now serves over 500 people each year with each patient
receiving an average of $1,300 worth of services. In some areas of the
country, Dental House Call projects have been started where dentists will
come to homes or centers to provide dental care. To learn where services
are located in your area, contact National Foundation of Dentistry for
the Handicapped, 1800 15th St., Unit 100, Denver, CO 80202; 303-534-5360,
Fax: 303-534-5290.
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Free
Wheelchairs
Easter Seals, the American Cancer Society and other helpful organizations
provide free wheelchairs and other medical related equipment, like walkers,
commodes, bathtub rails, bathtub chairs, crutches, transfer benches, electric
wheelchairs and scooters, on a short- or long-term basis. Some programs
require deposits that are completely refundable. Check
with your local office of Easter Seals and the American Cancer Society.
You can also contact your state Department of Health.
·
American Cancer Society, Inc., 1599 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329;
800-ACS-2345; {www.cancer.org}.
·
Easter Seals, 230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606; 800-221-6825;
312-726-6200; fax: 312-726-1494; {www.seals.com}.
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Make $40,000
& Get Free Prescription Drugs - Everything But Viagra
Valium, Prozac, Dilantin are just a few of the medications you can get
FREE directly from the drug companies themselves. That's right: drug companies
don't want everybody to know this, but they will give certain people who
can't afford their medications their drugs free of charge.
So what's
the catch? It sounds too easy. The drug companies require that you participate
in their "indigent patient programs." Your doctor needs to write
them a note stating that you cannot afford the drugs that you need. Your
doctor is the one that needs to call the drug manufacturer. Once the forms
are filled out, you will be able to pick up your drugs directly from your
doctor's office.
Call the
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America hotline to receive
a listing of the drug companies and their programs. Contact Pharmaceutical
Research and Manufacturers of America, 1100 15th St., NW, Washington,
DC 20005; 800-PMA-INFO; {www.phrma.org}.
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Make
$38,657 And Get Free Health Care For Your Kids
Over 4.7 million children are eligible for this program and are not enrolled.
Almost every state now has a Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS)
which extends medical coverage to many children who may not be covered.
A family
of four living in Connecticut can make up to $38,657 and get free health
care for their children up to 18 years of age. For a family of two, it's
$25,487. And a family of four making $49,350 will pay only $30 a month
for insurance. Contact Department of Social Services, State of Connecticut,
25 Sigourney St., Hartford, CT 06105; 877-CT-HUSKY (toll-free); {www.huskyhealth.com/qualify.htm}.
A family
of four living in Virginia and making up to $30,000 can get free coverage.
Contact Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 E. Broad St., Suite
1300, Richmond, VA 23219; 877-VA-CMSIP (toll free); {www.state.va.us}.
Maryland's
program covers pregnant women of any age and children up to 19 if the
family of four have an income below $32,900. Their program includes dental
and vision care. Contact Health Choice, Maryland Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, 201 W. Preston St., Room L, Baltimore, MD 21201; 800-456-8900;
{www.dhmh.state.md.us/healthchoice/html/maqanda3.htm}.
Contact your
state Department of Health to see what version of the CHIPS program is
offered in your area. It is usually part of the state's Medicaid program.
A new government hotline can also help you locate free health care for
kids. Call toll-free 877-KIDS-NOW (877-543-7669).
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Free
Hospital Care
Don't have money for your gall bladder surgery? What about that hospital
visit you had two months ago? You might not have to pay a cent. Call the
Hill-Burton Hotline. Under this program, certain hospitals and other health
care facilities provide free or low-cost medical care to patients who
cannot afford to pay. You may qualify even if your income is up to double
the Poverty Income Guidelines. That's $32,900 for a family of four! You
can apply before or after you receive care, and even after the bill has
been sent to a collection agency. Call the Hotline to find out if you
meet the eligibility requirements and to request a list of local hospitals
who are participating. For more information, contact Hill-Burton Hotline,
Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room
11-19, Rockville, MD 20857; 800-638-0742; 800-492-0359 (in MD); {www.hrsa.dhhs.gov/osp/dfcr/about/aboutdiv.htm}.
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Free
Immunizations For Your Kids
Only 78% of children receive their full recommended vaccinations that
protect them against polio, diphtheria, mumps, whooping cough, German
measles, tetanus, spinal meningitis, chicken pox, and hepatitis B. An
increasing number of children are exposed to diseases in day-care settings
and elsewhere. Almost any child, no matter what their income, can receive
free or very low cost immunizations in their local area. Contact your
county office of health listed in your telephone book, or your state Department
of Health. If you have trouble, call the National Immunization Information
Hotline at 800-232-2522 (English); 800-232-0233 (Spanish); {www.cdc.gov/nip}.
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How
To Fight Your Doctor, Hospital, Or Insurance Company - Call The Marines
Well, not the actual Marines from the Department of Defense, dressed in
fatigues and armed with high tech weapons. But you can call other government
offices and advocacy groups that will do your fighting for you or give
you the needed weapons to do your own fighting. Before you call a lawyer,
call these free offices first:
- State
Insurance Commissioner: will help you learn your legal rights regarding
insurance.
- State
Medical Boards: will review your complaint (including billing issues)
and help resolve disputes.
- State
HMO boards: will review your complaint (including billing issues) and
help resolve disputes.
- The Center
for Patient Advocacy, 1350 Beverly Road, Suite 108, McLean, VA 22101;
800-846-7444; {www.patientadvocacy.org}:
provides free advice and publications on how to fight the system, also
does advocacy work for patients rights on Capitol Hill)
- Center
for Medicare Advocacy, Inc, P.O. Box 350, Willimantic, CT 06226; 860-456-7790;
{www.medicareadvocacy.org}.
Attorneys, paralegals, and technical assistants provide legal help for
elderly and disabled who are unfairly denied Medicare coverage in the
states of Connecticut and New York. They will send materials to people
in other states to learn how to fight for themselves.
- American
Self Help Clearinghouse, Northwest Covenant Medical Center, 25 Pocono
Road, Denville, NJ 07834; 973-625-9565; Fax: 973-635-8848; TTD 973-625-9053;
{www.cmhc.com}: makes referrals to
self-help organizations world wide and helps people interested in starting
their own self help group.
- National
Self-Help Clearinghouse, c/o CUNY, Graduate School and University Center,
365 5th Ave., Suite 3300, New York, NY 10016; 212-354-8525; Fax: 212-642-1956;
{www.selfhelpweb.org}: makes
referrals to self-help groups nationwide.
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Cheap
Air Fare to See a Sick Relative
Not free, but at least you don't have to pay full price. When a family
member is very ill or has died, families have to make last minute airline
reservations. Obviously you lose out on the 21-day advance purchase rates,
but almost all airlines offer bereavement or compassion fares for domestic
travel. Generally the fares are available to close family members, and
the discount on the full-fare rate varies from airline to airline. Many
require that you provide the name of the deceased and the name, address
and phone number of the funeral home handling arrangements. In the case
of a medical emergency, the name and address of the affected family member
and the name, address and phone number of the attending physician or hospital
are required. Contact the airline of your choice to learn more about the
"Bereavement/Compassion Fares." Full fare rates vary from airline
to airline, but you could save up to 50%.
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Money
To Buy A Van, A Talking Computer Or Rubber Door Knob Grips
People with disabilities now have a place to turn to learn everything
they need to know about how the latest in technology can improve their
lives. It can be a specially equipped van, a talking computer, a special
kitchen or eating aid, or adaptive toys for children. Or it may be a student
with learning disabilities who needs special help getting through school.
A project
funded by the U.S. Department of Education, called Technical Assistance
Project has established an office in each state that can provide:
- Information
Services: will help you identify the special products that are available
to help you cope with your disability.
- Equipment
Loan Program: allows people to borrow new technology devices for a number
of weeks before they purchase them.
- Recycling
Program: matches up people with needs for products with people who want
to sell or donate products.
- Funding
Information: collects information on the various sources of funding
for this equipment from public and private sources.
- Loans:
many states are offering special loans to help people purchase the necessary
equipment; Ohio offers low interest loans up to $10,000, California
has loans up to $20,000, North Carolina up to $15,000.
Contact your
state capitol operator and ask for your state Office of Social Services
or Vocational Rehabilitation. They should be aware of your state Assistance
Technology Office.
If you have
trouble locating your state office, you can contact the office that coordinates
all state activities: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assertive Technology
Society of North America, (RESNA), 1700 North Moore Street, #1540, Arlington,
VA 22209; 703-524-6686; Fax: 703-524-6630; TTY: 703-524-6639; {www.resna.org}.
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Service
Organizations
Need help with child care, elderly services, substance abuse treatment?
What about youth programs or disaster assistance? Many large service organizations
have local offices that provide all this and more. Services vary depending
upon the needs of the community, but before you fight your battles alone,
contact these main offices to find out about local programs:
- Catholic
Charities USA, 1731 King St., #200, Alexandria, VA 23314; 703-549-1390;
{www.catholiccharitiesusa.org}.
- Salvation
Army, 615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 2696, Alexandria, VA 22313; 703-684-5500;
800-SAL-ARMY; {www.salvationarmyusa.org}.
- United
Way of America, 701 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 800-411-UWAY;
{www.unitedway.org}.
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Free
Care By the Best Doctors In The World
Bob Dole knew where to go when he had his cancer surgery - The National
Institutes of Health (NIH). Each year, close to 75,000 patients receive
free medical care by some of the best doctors in the world.
Medical research
professionals receive millions of dollars each year to study the latest
causes, cures, and treatments to various diseases or illnesses. If your
health condition is being studied somewhere, you may qualify for what
is called a "clinical trial" and get the treatment for free.
There are
several ways to find out about ongoing clinical trials across the nation.
Your first call should be to the National Institutes of Health Clinical
Center. NIH is the federal government's focal point for health research.
The Clinical Center is a 325-bed hospital that has facilities and services
to support research at NIH. Your doctor can call the Patient Referral
Line to find out if your diagnosis is being studied and to be put in contact
with the primary investigator who can then tell if you meet the requirements
for the study.
You can also
search their website for your diagnosis and qualifying information. In
addition, each Institute at NIH also funds research that is conducted
by universities, research institutions, and others. To learn about those
studies, contact the Institute that handles your diagnosis. Or conduct
a CRISP (Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) search,
which is a database of research projects and programs supported by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Clinical
Center, National Institutes of Health, Patient Recruitment, Building
61, 10 Cloister Court, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-4891; 800-411-1222;
{www.cc.nih.gov}.
- National
Institutes of Health, Office of Communications, Building 1, Room 344,
1 Center Dr., MSC0188, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-4000; {www.nih.gov}.
- CRISP,
Office of Reports and Analysis, Office of Extramural Research, 6700
Rockledge Dr., Room 3210, Bethesda, MD 20892-7772; 301-435-0656; {www-commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp/}.
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National
Institutes of Health Toll-Free Information Lines
AIDS Clinical Trials 800-TRIALSA
AIDS Treatment Information Service 800-HIV-0440
National Institute on Aging Information Center 800-222-2225
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center 800-438-4380
Cancer Information Service 800-4-CANCER
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 800-411-1222
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 800-370-2943
National Diabetes Outreach Program 800-438-5383
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
800-241-1044
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 800-729-6686
EnviroHealth: Information Service of the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences 800-643-4794
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Line 800-575-WELL
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Bladder
Control for Women Campaign 800-891-5388
National Institute of Mental Health Anxiety 888-8-ANXIETY
National Institute of Mental Health Depression 800-421-4211
National Institute of Mental Health Panic 800-64-PANIC
National Network of Libraries of Medicine 800-338-7657
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Information
800-352-9424
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 888-NIH-6226
NIH Ovulation Research 888-644-8891
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases 800-624-BONE
Weight-Control Information Network 800-WIN-8098
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Free
Healthy Helplines
The following government and non-profit organizations are experts in their
specific areas and will help you online or on the telephone line with
free expertise, publications and referrals.
Women's Health
National Women's Health Information Center, U.S. Public Health Service,
Office on Women's Health, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333; 800-944-WOMEN;
{www. 4women.gov}.
Any Health Topic
National Health Information Center, P.O. Box 1133, Washington, DC 20013;
800-336-4797; 301-565-4167; Fax: 301-984-4256; {nhic-nt.health.org}
Adoption
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, 330 C St, NW, Washington,
DC 20447; 703-352-3488; Fax: 703-385-3206; {www.calil.com/naic}.
National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut St, #701, Philadelphia, PA 19102;
800-TO-ADOPT; 215-735-9988; Fax: 215-735-9410; {www.adopt.org/adopt}.
Aging
National Aging Information Center, U.S. Administration on Aging, 330 Independence
Ave., NW, Room 4656, Washington, DC 20211; 202-619-7501; Fax: 401-7620;
{www.aoa.dhhs.gov/naic/}.
National Institute on Aging Information Center, Building 31, Room 5C27,
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292, Bethesda, MD 20892; 800-222-2225; 301-496-1752;
TDD: 800-222-4225; Fax: 301-589-3041; {www.nih.gov/nia}.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 601 E St., NW, Washington,
DC 20049; 800-424-3410; {www.aarp.org}.
AIDS
CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849; 800-458-5231;
Fax: 301-738-6616; TDD:800-243-7012; AIDS Clinical Trials: 800-874-2572;
Fax-Back Service: 800-458-5231; HIV/AIDS Treatment: 800-448-0440; 301-519-0459.
Allergies
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Office of Communications,
Building 31, Room 7A50, 900 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-5717;
{www.niaid.nih.gov}.
Alternative Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse,
P.O. Box 8218, Silver Spring, MD 20907; 888-644-6226 (toll-free); 800-531-1794
(Fax-back);{nccam.nih.gov/databases.html}.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, National Institute
on Aging, P.O. Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907; 800-438-4380; {www.alzheimers.org}.
Alzheimer's Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL
60611; 800-272-3900; {www.alz.org}.
Arthritis
National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse,
1 AMS Circle, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-495-4484; 301-881-2731 (Fax-back
service); {www.nih.gov/niams}.
Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, GA 30357; 404-872-7100 ext.
6350; 800-238-7800; {www.arthritis.org}.
Birth Defects
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains,
NY 10605; 888-MODIMES; 914-428-7100; {www.modimes.org}.
Cancer
Cancer Information Service, National Cancer Institute; 31 Center Dr.,
MSC2580; Bldg. 31, Room 10A07; 800-4-CANCER; {cis.nci.nih.gov}.
Child Abuse
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C St.,
SW, Washington, DC 20447; 800-FYI-3366; 703-385-7565; {www.calib.com/nccanch}.
Child Care
National Child Care Information Center, Administration For Children and
Families, 243 Church St., NW, 2nd. Floor, Vienna, VA 22180; 800-616-2242;
{nccic.org}.
Child Health
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes
of Health, 31 Center Dr., MSC2425, Room 2A32, Bethesda, MD 20897; 301-496-5133;
{www.nichd.nih.gov}.
Deafness
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information
Clearinghouse, 1 communication Ave., Bethesda, MD 20892; 800-241-1044;
800-241-1055 (TTY); {www.nichd.nih.gov/}.
Depression
National Mental Health Association, Public Information, 1021 Prince St.,
Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-684-7722; 800-969-6642; {www.nmha.org}.
National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 6001
Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663; Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-443-4513;
800-421-4211; 800-64-PANIC (panic disorder hotline); 888-8-ANXIETY (anxiety
disorders hotline); {www.nimh.nih.gov}.
Diabetes
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 1 Information Way, Bethesda,
MD 20892; 301-654-3327; {www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm}.
American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA
22311; 800-342-2383; {www.diabetes.org}.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor,
New York, NY 10005; 212-785-9500; 800-533-2873; {www.jdfcure.org}.
Digestive Disorders
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2 Information Way,
Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-654-3810; {www.niddk.nih.gov}.
Disabilities
National Rehabilitation Information Center, National Institute on Disabilities
and Rehabilitation Research, 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 935, Silver Spring,
MD 20910; 301-588-9284; 301-495-5626 TTY; 800-346-2742; {www.naric.com}.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities,
P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013; 800-695-0285; {www.nichcy.org}.
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline, P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716;
512-453-8117; 800-799-SAFE; {www.ndvh.org}.
Food and Drug Information
Food and Drug Administration, Office of Consumer Affairs, 5600 Fishers
Lane, HFE-88, Rockville, MD 20857; 888-463-6332; {www.fda.gov}.
Heart Disease
American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; 214-706-1200;
800-242-8721; {www.americanheart.org}.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Information Center, P.O. box
30105; 301-251-1222; 800-575-WELL; {www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm}.
Immunizations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop D25, 1600 Clifton
Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333; 800-CDC-SHOT; {www.cdc.gov}.
Kidney Disease
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 3 Information
Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-654-4415; {www.niddk.nih.gov/health/kidney/
nkudic.htm}.
Lead
National Lead Information Center, 8601 Georgia Ave., Suite 503, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; 800-424-LEAD (clearinghouse); 800-LEAD-FYI (hotline);
{www.epa.gov/lead/nlic/htm}.
Medicare
Medicare Hotline, Health Care Financing Administration, 6325 Security
Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21207; 800-638-6833; {www.medicare.gov}.
Nutrition
Food and Nutrition Information Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
10301 Baltimore Ave., Room 304, Beltsville, MD 20705; 301-504-5719; {www.nal.usda.gov/fnic}.
American Dietetic Association, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 800, Chicago,
IL 60606; 312-899-0040; 800-366-1655; {www.eatright.org}.
Weight-Control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 1 Win Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-984-7378;
800-WIN-8098; {www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm}.
Oral Health
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, 1 NOHIC Way, Bethesda,
MD 20892; 301-402-7364; {www.aerie.com/nohicweb}.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, 1150
17th St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; 800-624-BONE; 202-223-0344;
{www.osteo.org}.
Pregnancy
International Childbirth Education Association, P.O. Box 20048; Minneapolis,
MN 55420; 800-624-4934; {www.icea.org}.
National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse, Health Resources and
Services Administration, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 450, Vienna, VA
22182; 703-356-1964; {www.circsol.com}.
Postpartum Support International, 927 North Kellog Ave., Santa Barbara,
CA 93111; 805-967-7636; {www.chss.iup.edu/postpart}.
La Leche League International, 1400 North Meacham Rd., P.O. Box 4079,
Schaumburg, IL 60168; 800-LALECHE; {www.lalecheleague.org}.
Product Safety
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Hotline, Washington, DC 20207; 800-638-2772;
{www.cpsc.gov}.
Rural Information
Rural Information Center Health Service, National Agricultural Library,
Room 304, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville, MD 20705; 800-633-7701; {www.nal.usda.gov/ric/richs}.
Sleep Disorders
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, 2 Rockledge Center, 6701
Rockledge Dr., MSC 7920, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-435-0199; {www.nhlbi.nih.gov/nhlbi/
sleep/sleep.htm}.
Smoking
Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Mail
Stop K-50, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341; 770-488-5705; 800-CDC-1311;
{www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/osh}.
Substance Abuse
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345,
Rockville, MD 20847; 800-729-6686; {www.health.org}.
PRIDE, National Parent's Resource Institute for Drug Education, 3610 Dekalb
Technology Parkway, Suite 105; Atlanta, GA 30340; 770-458-9900; 800-853-7433;
{www.prideusa.org}.
National Substance Abuse Helplines, 164 W. 74th St., New York, NY 10023;
800-COCAINE; 800-DRUGHELP; 800-RELAPSE; {www.drughelp.org}.
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Ask-An-Expert
Websites
The following is a list of websites where you can ask experts in the medical
field your health questions. These websites are designed to help educate
you on a wide range of health topics. Go ahead and ask them anything.
Some questions include: Can I travel by air in my seventh month of pregnancy?
What can be done for excessive snoring? Are the herbal medicines sold
in health food stores really safe? Can the new cartilage transplant surgery
help my arthritic knee?
Allergies:
{www.allernet.com}
Aneurysms: {www.westga.edu/~wmaples/doc.html}
Arthritis: {www.arthritis.org/forms/ask_help.shtml}
Asthma: {www.asthmacentre.com/ask_the_doctor.
html}
Attention Deficit Disorder: {www.erols.com/
drleeb/}
Bipolar Mood Disorder: {www.mhsource.com/
bipolar/expert.html}
Blood Vessels: {www.visi.com/~irm/}
Bones and Joints: {bunny.lek.net/~fed/}
Brain and Nervous System: {www.surgery.missouri.edu/}
Cancer: {www.cancercareinc.org/services/referral2.htm}
{www.cancerhope.com/ask_a_doctor/question.html}
CPR: {www.learncpr.org/askdoctor.html}
Dentist: {www.the-toothfairy.com}
Diabetes: {www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/dteam/d_0d004.htm}
Diet: {www.drdiet.com}
Eyes: {www.visioncare.com}
General Health: {www.mercyhealthsystem.org/ASKNURSE/askartcl.htm}
{www.intelihealth.com/IH}
{www.yahoo.com/health/Ask_the_Nurse}
{www.harthosp.org/questions/}
{www.dreamtek.com/doctor.html}
{www.coloradohealthnet.org/COPD/copd_ask.html}
{www.bethisraelny.org/interactive/askdoctor.html}
Grief: {www.death-dying.com/experts/index.html}
Heart Disease: {www.sacheart.com}
Kidneys: {www.cnykidney.org}
Knee Problems: {www.knees.com}
Medications: {www.wilmington.net/dees/ask.html}
Men's Health: {methodisthealth.com/Urology/ask.htm}
Mental Health: {www.mhsource.com/expert.html}
Muscles: {www.openmri-southtexas.com/askthe.html}
Muscular Dystrophy: {www.mdausa.org/experts}
Neonatology: {www.neo.tch.tmc.edu/}
Neurology: {www.dr-neurosurg.com/index.html}
{www.bih.harvard.edu/neurology/docbag.htm}
Orthodontics: {www.bracesrus.com/}
Pain: {www.pain.com/defaultcon.cfm?direct=dr}
Parenting: {www.mbnet.mb.ca/crm/granny/granny.html}
Pediatric Urology: {peds-www.bsd.uchicago.edu/sections/urology/index.html}
Pediatrics: {www.mindspring.com/~drwarren/wpsl.htm}
{www.drs4kids.com/index.html}
Plastic Surgery: {www.ariyan.com/index.html}
{www.phudson.com/WELCOME/form.html}
Pregnancy: {www.abilene.com/armc}
{www.modimes.org/rc/help.htm}
Radiology: {telescan.nki.nl/SecondOpinion/index.html}
Skin Conditions: {www.facefacts.com/doctork.htm}
Spinal Problems: {www.orthospine.com}
Sports Medicine: {www.kyclinic.com}
Surfing Ailments: {www.mavsurfer.com/riptide/index.html}
Thyroid Disease: {www.thyroid.com/index.html}
Veterinarian: {www.prah.com}
{www.k9shrink.com/html/askdoc.html}
Whiplash: {www.whiplash101.com/discussion}
Women's Health: {www.womenshealth.org}
{www.healthywomen.com/asknp/index.htm}
Note: Obviously,
this is not meant to replace seeing a doctor, but to educate you to be
a more informed health consumer.
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to top
Help
In Virginia
Governor Jim Gilmore of Virginia has established the Terrorism Victims
Helpline at 866-827-3543 to assistance those effected by the attack on
the Pentagon. Services available to victims include funeral expenses,
medical treatment, mental health counseling, assistance with loss of support,
and special needs such as wheel chair ramps, home renovation, and more.
Please contact the Helpline for assistance.
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FREE or Low-Cost Healthcare
for Children
Insure Kids Now! is a national campaign to link the nation's 10 million
uninsured children--from birth to age 18--to free and low-cost health
insurance. For little or no cost, this insurance pays for doctor visits,
prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and much more. Most states also
cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment. When you
call their toll free and confidential hotline, you will be directly connected
to your state's program. Each state has different eligibility rules, but
in most states, uninsured children 18 years old and younger whose families
earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. Contact
Insure Kids Now!; 877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669); {Email: jkauffman@hrsa.gov
or lmorris@hrsa.gov}; {www.insurekidsnow.gov}.
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Help
in Choosing Long Term Care
A web page created by the U.S. Government Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality helps consumers evaluate long term care options. Topics include:
What types of long term care available? What kind of services do I need?
How will I pay for these services? How can I choose the best quality services?
Although the site is targeted to care for the elderly, there is plenty
of information for anyone needing long term assistance, including those
disabled. Contact Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2101 E.
Jefferson Street #501, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-594-1364; {E-Mail: info@ahrq.gov};
{www.ahcpr.gov}; {www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/gntascii/gntltc.htm}.
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Free
Air Travel To Needed Medical Care
AirLifeLine is a national non-profit charitable organization of over 1,500
private pilots who fly ambulatory patients who cannot afford the cost
of air travel to medical facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Participating
pilots donate their time, aircraft and fuel to make this air transportation
service totally free of charge for patients who qualify. Contact AirLifeLine
National Office, 50 Fullerton Court # 200, Sacramento, CA 95825; 800-446-1231;
916-641-7800; {www.airlifeline.org}.
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Free
Air Travel to Obtain Medical Treatment
The Volunteer Pilots Association is a charitable non-profit organization
providing air transportation to needy people who must travel to obtain
medical treatment. Pilots, flying privately owned general aviation aircraft,
donate their time and flight expenses. A verifiable financial need must
exist. This organization also transports donor organs and other time-critical
medically related items. Patients who do not require medical attention
during their flight and who can enter and exit the aircraft with only
limited assistance are eligible. Contact Volunteer Pilots Association,
P.O. Box 471, Bridgeville, PA 15017; 412-221-1374; {Email: info@volunteerpilots.org};
{http://www.volunteerpilots.org/VPA/contact.htm}.
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Health
Insurance Aid for New Yorkers
HealthStat is a comprehensive citywide initiative designed to enroll uninsured
New Yorkers in public health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Child
Health Plus and in September 2001, Family Health Plus. Child Health Plus
is a comprehensive health insurance program that covers most of children's
health care and dental needs. The income requirements make it possible
for working families to get free or low-cost health insurance for their
children. Family Health Plus (FHP) is a new program modeled on Child Health
Plus that makes comprehensive health insurance available at no cost to
lower-income, uninsured adults who do not have employer-sponsored coverage
and are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. The program will be fully
operational by October 1st. Individuals can call the HealthStat prescreening
phone line at 1-888- NYC-6116 to find out if they are eligible for Family
Health Plus and to place their names on a list to receive information
on where to enroll. Contact Mayor's Office of Health Insurance Access,
51 Chambers St.- 1st Floor, New York, NY 10007; 212-788-8282; 888-692-9900;
Fax: 212-788-9356; {http://www.nyc.gov/html/hia/html/healthstat.html}.
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Get
Free Nursing Home Care Without Hiding Your Assets (Free Hospital Care)
Don't have money for your gall bladder surgery? What about that hospital
visit you had two months ago? You might not have to pay a cent. Call the
Hill-Burton Hotline. Under
this program, certain hospitals and other health care facilities provide
free or low-cost medical care to patients who cannot afford to pay. You
may qualify even if your income is up to double the Poverty Income Guidelines.
That's $32,900 for a family of four! You can apply before or after you
receive care, and even after the bill has been sent to a collection agency.
Call the Hotline to find out if you meet the eligibility requirements
and to request a list of local hospitals who are participating. For more
information, contact Hill-Burton Hotline, Health Resources and Services
Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11-19, Rockville, MD 20857; 800-638-0742;
800-492-0359 (in MD); {www.hrsa.dhhs.gov/osp/dfcr/about/aboutdiv.htm}.
Regional
Health Care Financing
Administration Offices
Region 1
JF Kennedy Federal Building, Government Center, Boston, MA 02203,617-565-1188
Region 2
26 Federal Plaza, JK Javits Federal Building, New York, NY 10278,212-264-4488
Region 3
The Public Ledger Building,150 S. Independence Mall, Suite 216,Philadelphia,
PA 19106,215-861-4154
Region 4
61 Forsyth St., SW, Suite 4T20,Atlanta, GA 30303,404-562-7150
Region 5
105 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603,312-886-6432
Region 6
1301 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202,214-767-6427
Region 7
601 E 12th St., Federal Building, Kansas City, MO 64106, 816-426-5233
Region 8
1961 Stout St., Federal Office Building, Denver, CO 80294, 303-844-2111
Region 9
75 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-744-3502
Region 10
2201 Sixth Ave., Blanchard Plaza, Mail Stop RX-40, Seattle, WA 98121,
206-615-2306
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Find
Out, FOR FREE, If You Have Diabetes
Sixteen million Americans have diabetes - one in three does not know it!
Research proves that early detection and proper treatment for diabetes
can lead to a longer, healthier life. If you or the people you care about
are at high risk for diabetes, you can call the American Diabetes Association's
(ADA) "Diabetes Information and Action Line" (D.I.A.L.) where
you can receive a free packet of information about diabetes and find out
about free diabetes screenings and other diabetes alert activities in
your area. D.I.A.L. is a national network of information and referral
telephone lines for people with diabetes and their loved ones. This helpline
can provide information on all aspects of diabetes management and refer
callers to local diabetes programs and services, including diabetes education
classes, year-round youth programs, counseling and support groups, and
advocacy services. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics,
Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a
member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention.
Contact: American Diabetes Association, 1660 Duke Street, Alexandria,
VA 22314; 800-DIABETES; 800-342-2383; {www.ada.org}.
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Free
Consultants Help Find Medical & Living Help For Seniors
Looking for the local meals on wheels programs or need a home health aide
for mom? The Eldercare Locator searches their database for the services
for seniors in any area of the country. These can include transportation,
legal assistance, housing options, recreation and social activities, adult
daycare, senior center programs, and more. Contact the Eldercare Locator,
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, 1112 16th St., NW, Washington,
DC 20036; 800-677-1116 (9 a.m.- 8 p.m. EST); {www.n4a.org}.
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Free
Cash & Free Drugs For Kidney Patients
The American Kidney Fund's (AKF) Individual Patient Grants pay for urgently
needed transportation to treatment, over-the-counter medications, health
insurance premiums and living kidney donor expenses. The AKF Pharmacy
Program provides vital prescription medicines, nutritional supplements
and medical equipment to qualified kidney patients. AKF establishes Patient
Emergency Funds in dialysis and kidney transplant facilities. These funds
enable facility staff to give immediate small cash grants to patients
in emergency situations. AKF's Disaster Relief Program helps kidney patients
get back on their feet when environmental crises strike their communities.
AKF has helped victims of floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Contact:
The American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville,
MD 20852; 800-638-8299; 301-881-3052; Fax: 301-881-0898; {Email: helpline@akfinc.org};
{www.akfinc.org}.
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Money
For MS Patients To Pay For Counseling
The Western Washington Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
offers financial assistance for counseling to people with Multiple Sclerosis
and their families. This program is designed to assist individuals with
MS and their families to cope with the disease by seeing a professional
therapist for counseling. Financial assistance for counseling is limited
to $300 per year for in-office counseling and $340 for in-home counseling.
Contact the Yakima office at P.O. Box 1093, Yakima, WA 98907; 509-248-2350;
800-736-7312; Fax: 509-248-2352; {Email: nmsswascw2@nwinfo.net};
{www.nmsswas.org/living/counseling.html}.
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Information
Clearinghouse For All Types Of Disabilities
The Clearinghouse on Disability Information will answer your questions
on a wide range of disability topics and send you all kinds of information
about services for disabled and handicapped individuals at the national,
state, and local levels. They have several free publications, including
Office Of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) News In
Print newsletter, which describes OSERS programs, research, and topical
information on a broad range of disability issues. The Summary of Existing
Legislation Affecting Persons With Disabilities is available for all federal
laws through 1991. The Pocket Guide to Federal Help For Individuals with
Disabilities is a general, handy beginning reference. Contact: Clearinghouse
On Disability Information, Office Of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services, Communication and Information Services, U.S. Department of Education,
Room 3132 Switzer Bldg., Washington, DC 20202-2524; 202-205-8723, or 205-8241.
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Free
Money and Help For Lupus Patients
The S.L.E. (LUPUS) Foundation (a Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America)
offers individual entitlement counseling showing families how to obtain
Medicaid, Medicare, social security income/social security disability,
food stamps, housing assistance and legal aid. They also have a Grant-in-Aid
Program that provides mini-grants to help people with Lupus survive emergency
and crisis situations. Contact: The S.L.E. Foundation Inc., 149 Madison
Avenue, Suite 205, New York, NY 10016; 212-685-4118; Fax: 212-545-1843;
{Email: Lupus@LupusNY.org}; {www.lupusny.org/programs.htm}.
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Free
Directory Assistance For Customers with Disabilities
US West customers who have difficulty finding or remembering phone numbers
can receive directory assistance services at no charge. To apply, call
and ask for a Directory Assistance Exempt Certificate. It must be signed
by your physician and returned to the phone company. Contact: US West
- Customer Services, Bell Plaza, 1600 Seventh Ave, Room 2709, Seattle,
WA 98191; 206 504-0670 Billing/Service; 206-555-1212 Directory Assistance;
411 Directory Assistance; TTY: 800-223-3131; Toll Free: 800-244-1111;
Language: Interpreters available in 21 spoken languages and sign language
{www.uswest.com}.
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Local
Free Health Services
Your local health department (found in the blue pages of your phone book)
often operates free or sliding-fee scale clinics and screening centers
to handle non-emergency health problems. Many operate prenatal and well-baby
clinics as well. The services and fees vary from place to place, so contact
the health department to find out about eligibility, hours of service,
and services provided. According to the National Association of Community
Health Centers, federally sponsored community health centers serve six
million people, and four to six million people are served at other-sponsored
health centers. However, some problems exist. Because of the increase
in demand for low-cost health care, many centers are closing off registration
and are carrying waiting lists of 15 to 20 percent of their current case
load. The demand and availability of local health centers do vary, so
don't overlook this resource. To find out about local clinics, contact
your State Department of Public Health.
Public Health Hotlines
Alabama
Alabama Department of Public Health, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery,
AL 36104
Mailing Address:
RSA Tower, P.O. Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 36130-3017, 334-206-5300, www.alapubhealth.org,
E-mail: webmaster@alapubhealth.org
Alaska
Alaska Department of Health & Social Services, 350 Main Street, Room
503, Juneau, AK 99801
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110610, Juneau, AK 99811-0610, 907-465-3090,
Fax: 907-586-1877
http://health.hss.state.ak.us,
E-mail: petern@health.state.ak.us
Arizona
Arizona Dept. of Health Services, Office of Women's & Children's Health,
411 North 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008, 602-220-6550, Fax: 602-220-6551,
TDD: 602-256-7577, www.hs.state.az.us
Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201,
501-661-2000, 800-482-5400, http://health.state.ar.us,
E-mail: wbankson@.doh.state.ar.us
California
California Department of Health Services, Office of Women's Health, 714
P Street, Room 792, Sacramento, CA 95814, 906-653-3330, Fax: 916-653-3535,
www.dhs.ca.gov
Colorado
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek
Dr. South, Denver, CO 80246-1530, 303-692-1000, www.state.co.us/gov_dir/cdphe_dir/
Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box
340308, Hartford, CT, 06134-0308, 860-509-8000, TDD: 860-509-7191, www.state.ct.us/dph/,
E-mail: donna.winiarski@.state.ct.us
Delaware
Delaware Division of Public Health, P.O. Box 637, Federal & Water
Streets, Dover, DE 19903, 302-739-4701, Fax:302-739-6657,
www.state.de.us/govern/agencies/dhss/irm/dph/dphhome.htm
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Department of Health, 800 9th Street, SW, 3rd Floor,
Washington, DC 20024, 202-645-5556
Florida
Florida Department of Health, 2020 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, FL
32399-1700, 850-487-2945
www.doh.state.fl.us, E-mail:
Dorothy_Bruce@doh.state.fl.us,
E-mail: JoAnn_Steele@doh.state.fl.us
Georgia
Georgia Division of Public Health, Two Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta,
GA 30303-3186, 404-657-2700, www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us/
, E-mail: gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us
Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Health, 1250 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813,
808-586-4400, Fax: 808-586-4444, www.state.hi.us/health/,
E-mail: pijohnst@health.state.hi.us
Idaho
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, 450 W. State St., 10th Floor,
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036, 208-334-5500, Fax: 208-334-6558,
TDD: 208-334-4921
www.state.id.us/dhw/hwgd_www/home.html
Illinois
Illinois Department of Public Health,535 West Jefferson Street, Springfield,
IL 62761, 217-782-4977, Fax: 217-782-3987, TTY: 800-547-0466, www.idph.state.il.us
Indiana
Indiana State Department of Health, 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis,
IN 46204, 317-233-1325, www.ai.org/doh/index.html,
E-mail: OPA@isdh.state.in.us
Iowa
Iowa Department of Public Health, Lucas Building, 321 East 12th Street,
Des Moines, IA 50319, 517-281-5787, www.idph.state.ia.us
Kansas
Kansas Division of Health & Environment, Capitol Tower, 400 Eighth
Avenue, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66603-3930, 785-296-1500, Fax: 785-368-6368,
www.kdhe.state.ks.us
Kentucky
Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort,
KY 40621, 502-564-3970
Fax: 502-564-6533, http://cfc-chs.chr.state.ky.us
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 1201 Capitol Access Road,
P.O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629, 225-342-9500, Fax: 225-342-5568,
www.dhh.state.la.us, E-mail:
Webmaster@dhhmail.dhh.state.la.us
Maine
Maine Department of Human Services, 221 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333,
207-287-3707, Fax: 207-626-5555, TTY: 207-287-4479, www.state.me.us/dhs/main/welcome.htm
Maryland
Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, State Office Building
Complex, 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-2399, 410-767-6860,
TDD: 800-735-2258, www.dhmh.state.md.us/index.html
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston,
MA 02108-4619, 617-624-5700, Fax: 617-624-5206, www.magnet.state.ma.us/dph/dphhome.htm
Michigan
Michigan Department of Community Health, Lewis Cass Building, Sixth Floor,
320 South Walnut Street, Lansing, MI 48913, 517-373-3500, www.mdch.state.mi.us/,
E-mail: arias@state.mi.us
Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Health, 717 Delaware Street Southeast, Minneapolis,
MN 55440-9441
612-676-5000, www.health.state.mn.us,
E-mail: webmaster@health.state.mn.us
Mississippi
Mississippi State Department of Health, 2423 North State Street, P.O.
Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, 601-576-7400, Fax: 601-576-7364, www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhhome.htm
E-mail: info@msdh.state.ms.us
Missouri
Missouri Department of Health, 930 Wildwood, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson,
MO 65102-0570, 573-751-6001, Fax: 573-751-6041, www.health.state.mo.us,
E-mail: info@mail.health.state.mo.us
Montana
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, 111 North Sanders,
Helena, MT 59620
Mailing Address:, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604-4210, 406-444-2596,
Fax: 406-444-1970, www.dphhs.mt.gov,
E-mail: kpekoc@mt.gov
Nebraska
Nebraska Health & Human Services System, Department of Services, P.O.
Box 95044
Lincoln, NE 68509-5044, 402-471-2306, www.hhs.state.ne.us/index.htm
E-mail: hhsinfo@www.hhs.state.ne.us
Nevada
Nevada State Health Division, 505 E. King St., Room 201, Carson City,
NV 89710, 775-687-3786, Fax: 775-687-3859, www.state.nv.us/health/
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, 6 Hazen Drive,
Concord, NH 03301-6505, 603-271-4939, www.dhs.state.nh.us/index.htm
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services, P.O. Box 360, John
Fitch Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360, 609-292-7836, Fax: 609-633-9601,
www.state.nj.us/health/
New Mexico
New Mexico Department of Health, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Harold Runnels
Building, Sante Fe, NM 87504, 505-827-2619, Fax: 505-827-2530, www.state.nm.us/state/doh.html
New York
New York Department of Health, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza,
Albany, NY 12237, 518-486-9002, www.health.state.ny.us,
E-mail: ljr06@health.state.ny.us
North Carolina
North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, Cotton Classing Building,
222 North Dawson, Street, Raleigh, NC 27603-1392, Mailing Address:, P.O.
Box 29538, Raleigh, NC 27626-0538
919-733-4728, Fax: 919-733-8485, http://hermes.sches.chnr.state.nc.us/SCHS/main.html
North Dakota
North Dakota Department of Health, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck,
ND 58505-0200, 701-328-2372, Fax: 701-328-4727, www.ehs.health.state.nd.us/ndhd/,
E-mail: rfrank@state.nd.us
Ohio
Ohio Department of Health, 246 North High Street, P.O. Box 118, Columbus,
OH 43266-0118, 614-466-3543, www.odh.state.oh.us,
E-mail: questions@gw.odh.state.oh.us
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City,
OK 73117, 405-271, 5600, 800-522-0203, www.health.state.ok.us,
E-mail: webmaster@health.state.ok.us
Oregon
Oregon Health Division, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232, 503-731-4000,
www.ohd.hr.state.or.us, E-mail:
ohd.info@state.or.us
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Health, P.O. Box 90, Health & Welfare Building,
Harrisburg, PA, 17108, 800-692-7254, www.health.state.pa.us,
E-mail: webmaster@heath.state.pa.us
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908,
401-222-2231, Fax: 401-222-6548, TTY: 800-745-5555, www.health.state.ri.us/,
E-mail: library@health.state.ri.us
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control, 2600
Bull Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, 803-898-3432, www.state.sc.us/dhec/,
E-mail: menchima@columb29.dhec.state.sc.us
South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Health, Health Building, 600 East Capitol,
Pierre, SD 57501-2563, 800-738-2301, Fax: 605-773-5683, www.state.sd.us/state/executive/doh/doh.html,
E-mail: Info@doh.state.sd.us
Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Health, 425 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37247,
615-741-3111, www.state.tn.us/health,
E-mail: DDenton@mail.state.tn.us
Texas
Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199,
512-458-7111, www.tdh.texas.gov/
Utah
Utah Department of Health, P.O. Box 1010, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1010,
801-538-5101, http://hlunix.ex.state.ut.us/,
E-mail: pwightma@doh.state.ut.us
Vermont
Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402-0070,
800-464-4343, Fax: 802-863-7475, www.state.vt.us/health
Virginia
Virginia Department of Health, Main Street Station, Richmond, VA 23219,
804-786-5916, Fax: 804-371-4110, www.vdh.state.va.us/,
E-mail: rnash@vdh.state.va.us
Washington
Washington State Department of Health, 1112 SE Quince Street, P.O. Box
47890, Olympia, WA 98504-7890, 360-236-4010, www.doh.wa.gov/,
E-mail: gkm0303@ doh.wa.gov
West Virginia
West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Building 3, Room 518, State Capitol
Complex, Charelston,, WV 25305, 304-228-2971, Fax: 304-558-1035, http://wvbph.marshall.edu
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services, 1 West Wilson Street,
Madison, WI 53702-0007,608-266-1865, TTY: 608-267-7371, www.dhfs.state.wi.us
Wyoming
Wyoming Department of Health, 2300 Capitol Avenue
Mailing Address:, 117 Hathaway Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-7657,
Fax: 307-777-7439, TTY: 307-777-5648, http://wdhfs.state.wy.us/wdh/,
E-mail: wdh@missc.state.wy.us
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Affordable
Mental Health Counseling
The Community Institute for Psychotherapy is a nonprofit agency whose
mission is to provide mental health counseling services to low income
individuals in Marin County, CA so that they may re-establish mental and
emotional well-being and live satisfying and productive lives. CIP offers
outpatient psychotherapy on a sliding scale fee basis to adults, children,
families, and couples who would otherwise be unable to afford such services.
To find out if similar programs like this exist in your area, contact
your local Social Services Agency or your local health department (found
in the blue pages of your phone book). Contact: Community Institute for
Psychotherapy, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 201, San Rafael, CA 94901; 415-459-5999;
Fax: 415-459-5602; {Email: cip@wenet.net}.
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One-On-One
Help For Stroke Victims and Families
If you or someone you know has experienced stroke firsthand, call the
American Heart Association's (AHA) Stroke Connection at 800-553-6321 or
send an email to {strokeconnection@heart.org}.
This is a network of over 1,600 stroke groups or clubs and more than 50,000
stroke survivors, caregivers and professionals throughout the country.
You can receive information regarding stroke, how it affects the lives
of stroke survivors and their families, how to find a support group near
you, how to subscribe to the Stroke Connection Magazine, or to talk to
someone who understands. The phone line is manned by stroke families who
want to help. They are there to answer your questions and offer options.
Contact: Stroke Connection, American Heart Association, National Center,
7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231; 800-553-6321; {Email: strokeconnection@heart.org};
{www.americanheart.org}.
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On-Line
Database of 650,000 Doctors
The American Medical Association's (AMA) Physician Select provides on-line
information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States
and its possessions, including more than 650,000 doctors of medicine (MD)
and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO). All physician
credential data have been verified for accuracy and authenticated by accrediting
agencies, medical schools, residency training programs, licensing and
certifying boards, and other data sources. You can search this database
by name or medical specialty. You will also find health information on
specific conditions from AMA Health Insight, a reference library.
Contact: American Medical Association, 515 North State Street, Chicago,
IL 60610; 312-464-5000;
{www.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm}
(Physician Select).
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Free
Eyeglasses, Cornea Transplants, and Glaucoma Screenings
Each year Lions Clubs around the country provide 600,000 free professional
glaucoma screenings, perform 25,000 cornea transplants, collect over 3
million pairs of glasses, and provide thousands with free quality eye
care. Services are provided based on need, and programs and services can
be developed according to specific community needs. Lions Clubs conduct
Hometown Day that brings people to Lenscrafters for eye exams and eyeglasses
free of charge. Consult your telephone directory for a Lions Club in your
area or contact: Lions Club International, 300 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL
60523; 630-571-5466; Fax: 630-571-5735; {www.lionsclubs.org}.
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Free
Hotlines, Publications and Expertise on Any Health Topic
Don't know where to go or who to call? We have compiled a listing of resources
you can call to receive information, support, assistance, and sometimes
even treatment for a specific condition or disease! The following government
and nonprofit organizations are experts in their specific areas and will
help you online or on the telephone with free expertise, publications,
and referrals. You are not alone. Help is just a phone call or a click
away.
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General Health
• National Women's Health Information Center, U.S. Public Health
Service, Office on Women's Health, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA
30333, 800-944-WOMEN, www.4women.gov
National centers
Some publications available include:
* Cancer Statistics
* Pills, Patches and Shots: Can Hormones Prevent Aging?
* Breast Cancer: a Report on the Fight to Prevent, Treat, and Cure the
Disease
* Women of Color Health Data Book
* and many more.
• National Health Information Center, P.O. Box 1133, Washington,
DC 20013, 800-336-4797, 301-565-4167, Fax: 301-984-4256, http://health.org/nhic
Excellent phone referral service
Some publications available include:
* Toll-Free Numbers for Health Information
* Federal Health Information Centers and Clearinghouses
* and many more
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Adoption
• National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, 330 C Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20447, 703-352-3488, Fax: 703-385-3206, www.calib.com/naic
Some publications available include:
* State Adoption Statute Summaries
* Adoption: Where Do I Start
* After Adoption: The Need for Services
* Foster Parents Adoption: What Parents Should Know
* and many more.
• National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut Street, #701, Philadelphia,
PA 19108, 800-TO-ADOPT
215-735-9988, Fax: 215-735-9410, www.adopt.org
Some publications available include:
* When Adoption is the Answer: A Guidebook for Parents
* Special Needs Adoption
* Single Parent Adoption
* Open Adoption
* and many more.
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Aging
• National Aging Information Center, U.S. Administration on Aging,
330 Independence Avenue, NW
Room 4656, Washington, DC 20211, 202-619-7501, Fax: 202-401-7620
www.aoa.dhhs.gov/naic/
Some publications available include:
* Older Persons with Mobility and Self-Care Limitations
* Elder Abuse Prevention
* Housing Options for Older Americans
* Protecting the Rights of Older Americans
* and many more.
• National Institute on Aging Information Center
P.O. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898, 800-222-2225, 301-587-2528, TDD:
800-222-4225, Fax: 301-589-3041
www.nih.gov/nia
Some publications available include:
* Accidental Hypothermia: Cold Weather Can be Trouble
* Urinary Incontinence
* Aging and Your Eyes
* Don't Take it Easy - Exercise!
* Age Pages
* Menopause
* Talking With Your Doctor
* and many more.
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
601 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049, 800-424-3410, www.aarp.org
State Offices and Information Centers
Some publications available include:
* Home Improvement Fraud
* Chronic Disease Management
* Nursing Home Admission Contract
* QMB: Dollars To Help Pay For Medicare
* and many more.
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AIDS
• CDC National Prevention Information Network
P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849, 800-458-5231, Fax: 301-738-6616, TDD:
800-243-7012, AIDS Clinical Trials: 800-874-2572, Fax-Back Service: 800-458-5231,
HIV/AIDS Treatment: 800-448-0440; 301-519-0459, www.cdcnpin.org
Some publications available include:
* A Guide to AIDS in the Workplace Resources
* Because You Love Them: A Parents Planning Guide Child Welfare League
of America
* Caring for Someone With AIDS at Home: A Guide
* Does Sex Education Work?
* AIDS Prevention Guide
* Living with HIV/AIDS
* and many more
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Alcoholism
• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box
2345, Rockville, MD 20847, 800-729-6686, www.health.org
Some publications available include:
* Alcoholism: Getting the Facts
* Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention
* Marijuana: Facts Parents Should Know
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Allergies
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Office of
Communications, Building 31, Room 7A50, 900 Rockville Pike, Bethesda,
MD 20892, 301-496-5717, www.niaid.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Allergies: Living With Allergies
* How to Create a Dust-Free Bedroom
* Living With Food Allergies
* Resources to Fight Indoor Pollution
* and many more.
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Alternative Medicine
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse,
P.O. Box 8218, Silver Spring, MD 20907, 888-644-6226 (toll-free), 800-531-7194
(Fax-back), http://altmed.od.nih.gov/ncccam/clearinghouse/
Some publications available include:
* General Information
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Classification of Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practices
* Alternative Medicine Research Using MEDLINE
* and many more.
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Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, National Institute
on Aging, P.O. Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907, 800-438-4380, www.alzheimers.org
Centers in many states
Some publications available include:
* Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet
* Estrogen and Alzheimer's Disease
* Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
* Alzheimer's Disease: A Caregiver and Patient Resource List
* and many more.
• Alzheimer's Association
919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611, 800-272-3900,
www.alz.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Information For Newly Diagnosed Individuals And Their Families
* Caregiver Tips
* Information for those who suspect
* General Information about Alzheimer's
* and many more.
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Arthritis
• National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information
Clearinghouse, 1 AMS Circle, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-495-4484, 301-881-2731
(Fax-back service), www.nih.gov/niams
Some publications available include:
* Q&A Arthritis and Exercise
* Q&A Arthritis Pain
* Q&A Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease
* Q&A Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
* and many more.
• Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-872-7100, ext. 6350,
800-238-7800, www.arthritis.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Exercise and Your Arthritis
* Can You Prevent It?
* Is It Arthritis?
* What Treatments Work
* and many more.
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Asthma
• Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, 2751 Prosperity
Avenue, Suite 150, Fairfax, VA 22031, 703-641-9595, 800-878-4403, Fax:
703-573-7794, www.aanma.org
Some publications available include:
* When to See an Asthma Specialist
* Asthma in Infants
* Clearing The Air on Asthma and Allergy Medications
* Your Health Insurance Plan, Questions You Should Ask
* and many more.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1125 Fifteenth Street,
NW, Suite 502, Washington, DC 20005, 202-466-7643, Fax: 202-466-8940,
www.aafa.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* You Can Control Asthma
* Answers
* What People With Asthma Should Know About Leukotrienes
* AAFA Newsletters
* and much more.
• National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, P.O. Box
30105, Bethesda, MD, 20824, 301-529-8573, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/nhlbi/nhlbi.htm
Some publications available include:
* Asthma and Physical Activity In The School
* Your Asthma Can Be Controlled: Expect Nothing Less
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Bacterial Disease
• National Center for Infectious Disease, 1600 Clifton Road, NE,
Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-1338, 888-4HEP-CDC, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/op/index.htm
Some publications available include:
* Emerging Infectious Disease Threats
* Cholera Prevention
* Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
* Group B Streptococcal Infections
* and many more.
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Behavior Disorders
• The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, 1021 Prince
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2971, 703-684-7710, Fax: 703-836-1040, www.ffcmh.org
Local chapters and affiliates
Some publications available include:
* Fact Sheets on Childhood Disorders
* Finding Help, Finding Hope
* Principles on Family Support
* Why Children Are Not Little Adults
* and many more.
•
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3615 Wisconsin Avenue,
NW, Washington, DC 20016-3007, 202-966-7300, Fax: 202-966-2891, www.aacap.org
Some publications available include:
* The Autistic Child
* Children and Grief
* Children's Major Psychiatric Disorders
* Know When to Seek Help for Your Child
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Bicycle Safety
• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, 4611 Seventh Street South, Arlington,
VA 22204-1419, 703-486-0100, 703-486-0579, Fax: 703-486-0576, www.bhsi.org
Some publications available include:
* A Consumer's Guide to Bicycle Helmets
* Must I Buy a Bicycle Helmet for My Child?
* Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bicycle
* Helmet Statistics
* and many more.
• Think First Foundation, 22 South Washington Street, Park Ridge,
IL 60068, 847-692-2740, 800-THINK56, Fax: 847-692-2394, www.thinkfirst.org
Some publications available include:
* Bike Safety
* Prevention Pages
* Helmet Use
* Bicycle Safety Rules
* and many more.
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Birth Defects
• March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue,
White Plains, NY 10605, 888-MODIMES, 914-428-7100, www.modimes.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Think Ahead
* Deliver The Best
* Leading Categories of Birth Defects
* Genetic Series
* and many more
• Association of Birth Defect Children, Inc., 827 Irma Avenue, Orlando,
FL 32803
800-313-ABDC, 407-245-7035, Fax: 407-245-7087, www.birthdefects.org/
Parent matching
Some publications available include:
* How to Get Services for Your Child
* How to Make Health Insurance Work for You
* Limb Reduction Defects
* Heart Defects
* and many more.
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Brain Tumors
• American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines,
IL 60018, 847-827-9910,, Patient Line: 800-886-2282, Fax: 847-827-9918,
www.abta.org
Some publications available include:
* Radiation Therapy of Brain Tumors: A Basic Guide
* Dictionary for Brain Tumor Patients
* When Your Child is Ready to Return to School
* Coping With a Brain Tumor Part I: From Diagnosis to Treatment
* and many more.
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Burns
• Shriners Hospital for Children, International Shrine Headquarters,
2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1435, 813-281-0300, 800-237-5055,
Canada: 800-361-7256
www.shrinershq.org/
Some publications available include:
* How Safe Is Your Kitchen?
* Microwave Burn Prevention
* Emergency Treatment Of Burns
* How Safe Is Your Tent?
* and many more.
• Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Inc.
2153 Wealthy Street, SE, #215, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506, 616-458-2773,
800-888-BURN, (2876), Fax: 616-458-2831, www.phoenix-society.org/
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Hidden Burns
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