ADOPTION
...To Index
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
...To Index
National Council on Aging
800-424-9046
Information on family caregiving, 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 ...To Index
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
800-458-5231
Classifies and distributes information and educational materials...provides
assistance to AIDS-prevention professionals. Service of the Centers for Disease
Control.
ALCOHOLISM ...To Index
See also DRUG ABUSE
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
800-356 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.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
212-206-6770
NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, research and treatment and is dedicated
to ridding the disease of its stigma. They have excellent resources for
parents, schools and those working with children and youth.
ALLERGY...ASTHMA
...To Index
See LUNG DISEASE...ALLERGY . . .ASTHMA
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
...To Index
Alzheimer's Association
800-272-3900
Makes referrals to local chapters and sup port groups. Publications available.
Alzheimer's Disease Education
and Referral Center
800 438 4380
Information and literature on Alzheimer's. Sponsored by National Institute
on Aging.
ARTHRITIS ...To Index
Arthritis Foundation
Information Line
800-283-7800
Provides information on arthritis and makes referrals to local chapters.
CANCER ...To Index
See also NUTRITION
American Cancer Society
Response Line
800-227-2345
Publications and information on cancer. Makes 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. Service of the National Cancer Institute.
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
...To Index
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
...To Index
See also SAFETY
National Pesticide
Telecommunications Network
800 858 7378
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
...To Index
Human Growth Foundation
800 451-6434
703 883 1773 in northern Virginia
Provides parent education, supports re search and promotes awareness of
physical and emotional problems of short people. Offers literature on child growth
abnormalities.
CHILD SAFETY
..... MISSING CHILDREN
...To Index
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.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
800-843-5678
Has an enormous data base of missing children.
Internet site located at http://www.missingkids.org/index.html
CLEFT PALATE ...To Index
Cleft Palate Foundation
800-242-5338
Information for parents and health profes sionals, referrals to support
groups...lists of plastic surgeons, dentists and speech patholo gists. Does not
make referrals to physicians.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS ...To Index
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
800-344-4823
Responds to patient and family questions. Provides literature. Referrals to
clinics.
DEPRESSION ...To Index
See MENTAL HEALTH
DIABETES ...To Index
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
...To Index
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 ...To Index
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
800-922-9234
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 Center
800-346-2742
301-588-9284 in Maryland
Provides literature searches and referrals to local organizations and
disseminates rehabilitation-related information to disabled people.
DOWN'S SYNDROME
...To Index
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 ...To Index
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-rehabilitation centers. Service of National Institute on
Drug Abuse.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information
800-729-6686
301-468-2600 in Maryland
Provides information on alcohol- and drug related subjects. Sponsored by
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
212-206-6770
NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, research and treatment and is dedicated
to ridding the disease of its stigma. They have excellent resources for
parents, schools and those working with children and youth.
DYSLEXIA ...To Index
The Orton Dyslexia Society
800 222-3123
Information on testing and computers to aid those with dyslexia and other
disorders.
ENDOMETRIOSIS V,
...To Index
See WOMEN
ENVIRONMENT ...To Index
Indoor Air Quality Clearinghouse
800-438-4318
Information about indoor air quality, including the health effects of
passive smoke, formalde hyde 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 National Safety Council.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
800-426-4791
Provides general and technical information on drinking water regulations.
Makes referrals to other EPA organizations. Does not provide site specific
information on water quality or testing.
EPILEPSY ...To Index
The Epilepsy Foundation of America
800-332-1000
Provides information on epilepsy and makes referrals to local chapters.
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ETHICS ...To Index
Kennedy Institute of Ethics, National Reference Center for
Bioethics Literature
800-633-3849
202-687-3885 in Washington, DC
Provides reference assistance and conducts free searches on bioethical
topics.
FIRE PREVENTION
...To Index
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 ...To Index
FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Hotline
800 332-4010
Answers general questions about food safety and specific illnesses caused by
bacteria in food.
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
...To Index
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
800-336-4797
Central source of information and referral 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 near Washington, DC.
Provides information and referrals to the public and professionals.
Focuses on the de livery of health services in rural areas.
GRIEF ...To Index
Grief Recovery Institute
800 445-4808
Provides counseling services on coping with loss.
HEAD INJURY
....HEADACHE ...To Index
National Headache Foundation
800 843-2256
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
...To Index
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
800-648-4327
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
800-352-8888
800-287-4763 in California
Information on deafness and raising and educating a deaf child. Referrals
to parents, professionals and resources.
Meniere's Network
800-545-4327, ext. 301
Information about Meniere's disease.
HOSPICE CARE ...To Index
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
...To Index
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 ...To Index
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
...To Index
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, properly and casualty insurance companies.
Information on policies and technical language.
KIDNEY DISEASE ...To Index
See UROLOGICAL DISORDERS
LIBRARY SERVICES
...To Index
Captioned Films/Videos Program
800-237-6213
Captioned films
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 ...To Index
American Liver Foundation
800-223-0179
Provides fact sheets and other information. Offers physician and support
group referrals.
LUNG DISEASE
...ALLERGY... ASTHMA
...To Index
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 rheuma toid arthritis and respiratory and immune sys tem disorders.
Service of National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine.
LUPUS ...To Index
Lupus Foundation of America
800-558-0121
Answers basic questions about the disease and provides health professionals
and patients and their families with information and literature. Makes referrals
to local affiliates.
MEDICARE ...To Index
See INSURANCE...MEDICARE
MENTAL HEALTH ...To Index
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
800 248 4344
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
...To Index
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
800-532-7667
Information on issues relating to MS.
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
...To Index
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
800-541-5454
Information about services for myasthenia gravis patients. Promotes public
awareness.
NUTRITION ...To Index
American Dietetic Association Hotline
800 366 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
...To Index
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 transplantation 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
...To Index
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
...To Index
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.
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PHYSICIANS ...To Index
American Board of Medical Specialists
800-733-2267
Verifies board certification of physicians.
PLASTIC SURGERY
...To Index
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.
POISON
...To Index
National Poison Center
800-222-1222
PREGNANCY ...To Index
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 office 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
...To Index
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
800-448-4570
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
800-548-2758
Patient and family support, newsletter, brochures, information, patient
directory, regional meetings.
National Lymphedema Network
800-541-3259
Provides information about Iymphedema 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 ...To Index
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 video cassettes 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
800 638 2772
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) ...To Index
National STD Hotline
800 227-8922
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
...To Index
See PARALYSIS
...To Paralysis
STROKE ...To Index
See also PARALYSIS
...To Paralysis
American Heart Association Stroke Connection
800-553-6321
Provides materials to stroke survivors including books, publications and
stroke club information.
STUTTERING ...To Index
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)
...To Index
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 ...To Index
American Trauma Society (ATS)
800-556 7890
301-420-4189 in Maryland
Information for health professionals and the public on ATS activities.
Provides answers to questions about trauma and medical emergencies.
UROLOGICAL DISORDERS
...To Index
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 ...To Index
American Council of the Blind
800 424-8666
202-467-5081 in Washington, DC
Information on blindness. Gives referrals to clinics, rehabilitation
organiations, 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
516-265-2121 in New York
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 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 ...To Index
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 Foundations
800-227-3988
Information on women's sports, physical fitness and sports medicine.
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