Air Care Assistance (top)
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}.

Support Group for Burn Survivors (top)
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}.

Plastic Surgery Assistance for Victims (top)
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}.

Fund Established to Aid Victims in the Washington, D.C. area (top)
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}.

3 Million Seniors & Disabled Don't Apply for Their Free $1,000 For Health Care (top)
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}.

Discounts On Dental And Vision Care (top)
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].


Free Flu Shots (top)
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}.
 

$1,300 Worth Of Dental Care For Seniors and Disabled (top)
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.
 

Free Wheelchairs (top)
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}.


Make $40,000 & Get Free Prescription Drugs - Everything But Viagra (top)
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}.
 

Make $38,657 And Get Free Health Care For Your Kids (top)
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).

Free Hospital Care (top)
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}.

Free Immunizations For Your Kids (top)
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}

How To Fight Your Doctor, Hospital, Or Insurance Company - Call The Marines (top)
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.

Cheap Air Fare to See a Sick Relative (top)
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%.

Money To Buy A Van, A Talking Computer Or Rubber Door Knob Grips (top)
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}.

Service Organizations (top)
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}.

Free Care By the Best Doctors In The World (top)
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/}.

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

Free Healthy Helplines (top)
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}.

Ask-An-Expert Websites (top)
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.

Help In Virginia (top)
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.

FREE or Low-Cost Healthcare for Children (top)
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}.

Help in Choosing Long Term Care (top)
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}.

Free Air Travel To Needed Medical Care (top)
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}.

Free Air Travel to Obtain Medical Treatment (top)
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}.

Health Insurance Aid for New Yorkers (top)
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}.

Get Free Nursing Home Care Without Hiding Your Assets (Free Hospital Care) (top)
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 (top)
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

Find Out, FOR FREE, If You Have Diabetes (top)
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}.

Free Consultants Help Find Medical & Living Help For Seniors (top)
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}.

Free Cash & Free Drugs For Kidney Patients (top)
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}.

Money For MS Patients To Pay For Counseling (top)
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}.

Information Clearinghouse For All Types Of Disabilities (top)
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.

Free Money and Help For Lupus Patients (top)
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}.

Free Directory Assistance For Customers with Disabilities (top)
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}. 

Local Free Health Services (top)
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 (top) 
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

Affordable Mental Health Counseling (top)
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}.

One-On-One Help For Stroke Victims and Families (top)
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}.

On-Line Database of 650,000 Doctors (top)
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).

Free Eyeglasses, Cornea Transplants, and Glaucoma Screenings (top)
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}.

Free Hotlines, Publications and Expertise on Any Health Topic (top)
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
* Itching, What Helps
* Burn Scars
* Humor and the Burn Patient
* and many more.
 
Cancer
• Cancer Information Service
National Cancer Institute, 31 Center Drive, MSC2580, Building 31, Room 10A07, Bethesda, MD, 20892-2580, 800-4-CANCER, http://cis.nci.nih.gov
National and regional partners
Some publications available include:
* What You Need To Know About TM Cancer - An Overview
* Moles and Dysplastic Nevi
* Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas
* Ovarian Cancer
* Stomach Cancer
* and many more
• The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 460, Bethesda,, MD 20814-3015, 800-366-2223, 301-657-8401, Fax: 301-718-2686, www.candlelighters.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Educating the Child with Cancer
* The Candlelighters Guide to Bone Marrow Transplants in Children
* Know Before You Go: The Childhood Cancer Journey
* CCCF Youth Newsletter
* and many more.
 
Cerebral Palsy
• United Cerebral Palsy Associations, 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, 202-842-1266, Voice/TDD: 202-973-7197, Fax: 202-776-0414, 202-776-0416, www.ucpa.org/html/
UCP affiliate partners in 43 states
Some publications available include:
* Parents Rights: How to be a Good Parent of a Child with Cerebral Palsy
* Advocacy - Taking Charge: How To Do It: A Primer for Parents
* Fast Facts on Individual Education Plans
* VCP Research Fact Sheets
* and many more.
 
Child Abuse
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447, 800-FYI-3366, 703-385-7565, www.calib.com/nccanch
Some publications available include:
* Child Neglect: A Guide for Intervention
* What is Child Maltreatment?
* Resources for Prevention Activities
* In Fact...Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Child Abuse and Neglect
* and many more
• National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 200 South Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604-4357, NCPCA, 312-663-3520, Fax: 312-939-8912
State chapters
Some publications available include:
* Child Abuse Hotline Numbers
* When Parents Drink Too Much
* Twelve Alternatives to Lashing Out at Your Child
* Start Using Words That Help
* and many more.
 
Child Care
• National Child Care Information Center, Administration For Children and Families, 243 Church Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Vienna, VA 22180, 800-616-2242, http://nccic.org
Linkages with national organizations and clearinghouses
Some publications available include:
* Baby Safety Shower
* Care Around the Clock: Developing Child Care Resources Before 9 and After 5
* Child Care and Early Program Participation of Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
* Child Care and Medicaid: Partners for Healthy Children
* and many more.
 
Child Health
• American Academy of Family Physicians, Manager Information Services Department, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy., Leawood, KS 66211, 913-906-6000, 800-274-2237, Fax: 913-906-6095, www.aafp.org
Publications can be viewed online at {http://family doctor.org}.
National Institute Of Child Health and Human Development, P.O. Box 3006, Rockville, MD 20847
800-370-2943, www.nichd.nih.gov/
Some publications available include:
* Pituitary Tumors In Children
* Why Children Succeed Or Fail At Reading
* Uterine Fibroids
 
Child Safety
• National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1707, 202-662-0600, Fax: 202-393-2072, www.safekids.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Falls Brochure
* Pedestrian Safety
* Water Safety
* Safe Kids Buckle Up
* and many more.
 
Cholesterol
• National Cholesterol Education Program, National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824, 301-529-8573, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Some publications available include:
* So You Have High Blood Cholesterol
* Step By Step: Eating To Lower Your High Blood Cholesterol
 
Craniofacial Deformities
• Children's Craniofacial Association, 9441 LBJ Freeway, Suite 115, LB 46, Dallas, TX 75243, 972, 994-9902, 800-535-3643, Fax: 972-240-7607, www.masterlink.com/children/
Cleft Palate Foundation, 104 South Estes Drive, Suite 204, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, 919-933-9044
800-24-CLEFT, Fax: 919-933-9604, www.cleft.com/cpf.htm
Connects callers with parent-patient support groups in their area
Some publications available include:
* Information about Choosing a Cleft Palate or Craniofacial Team
* Feeding an Infant with Cleft
* Cleft Lip and Plate: The First Four Years
* Genetics of Cleft Lip and Palate: Information for Families
* and many more.
 
Deafness
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders Information Clearinghouse, 1 Communication Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20892,800-241-1044, TTY: 800-241-1055, www.nih.gov/nidcd
Some publications available include:
* Early Identification of Hearing Impairment in Infants and Young Children
* How Loud Is Too Loud?
* Ten Best Ways To Recognize Hearing Loss
* Cochlear Implants in Adults and Children
* and many more.
• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
3417 Volta Place, NW, Washington, DC 20007-2778, Voice-TTY: 202-337-5220, Fax: 202-337-8314, www.agbell.org
Local chapters in many states
Some publications available include:
* Oral Interpreters: Facts For Consumers
* Speech and Hearing Checklist
* Communicating With People Who Have a Hearing Loss
* Speechreading for Better Communication
* and many more.
 
Depression
• National Mental Health Association, Public Information, 1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-684-7722, 800-969-6642, www.nmha.org
Nationwide affiliates
Some publications available include:
* Depression in Children
* Controlling Your Anger
* Coping With Loss: Bereavement and Grief
* Mental Illness in the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope
* and many more
• National Institute of Mental Health
National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, MSC 80-30, 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
Some publications available include:
* A Consumers Guide to Mental Health Services
* Medications
* Plain Talk About Handling Stress
* Understanding Panic Disorders
* and many more.
 
Diabetes
• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 1 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-654-3327, www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm
Some publications available include:
* Kidney Disease of Diabetes
* Alternative Ways To Take Insulin
* Financial Help for Diabetes Care
* Joint and Bone Conditions Related to Diabetes
* Insulin Dependent Diabetes
* and many more.
• American Diabetes Association, 1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 800-232-3472, www.diabetes.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Diabetes Diagnosis and Understanding Lab Tests
* Medical Treatment of Diabetes
* Complications and Related Concerns
* and many more
• Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005, 212-785-9500, 800-223-1138, www.jdfcure.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Diabetes Facts
* COUNTDOWN for Kids
* Diabetes Glossary
* and more.
 
Digestive Disorders
• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-654-3810, www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm
Some publications available include:
* Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases
* Your Digestive System and How It Works
* Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
* Digestive Diseases Dictionary
* Constipation
* Gallstones
* and many more.
 
Disabilities
• National Rehabilitation Information Center, National Institute on Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-558-9284, TTY: 301-495-5626, 800-346-2742, www.cais.com/naric
Some publications available include:
* Income and Program Participation of People with Work Disabilities
* Vocational Rehabilitation in the United States
* Health Conditions and Impairments Causing Disabilities
* Need for Assistance in the Activities of Daily Living
* and many more.
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013, 800-695-0285, www.nichcy.org
Some publications available include:
* Options After High School
* State Resources Sheet
* Parents Guide to Accessing Programs for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers with Disabilities
* Vocational Assessment
* and many more.
• PAWS With a Cause, 4646 South Division, Wayland, MI 49348, 616-877-0248, TDD/Voice: 800-253-PAWS, www.pawscause.org
Trains Assistance Dogs nationally
Publishes Dogs for Dignity Newsletter
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline, P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716, 512-453-8117, 800-799-SAFE, www.ndvh.org
 
Down Syndrome
• National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10012-2317, 212-460-9660, 800-221-4602, Fax: 212-979-2873, www.ndss.org
Local affiliate groups
Pamphlets on issues related to Down Syndrome which include:
* general
* heart
* speech
* life planning
* and more.
 
Eating Disorders
• Overeaters Anonymous, Inc., Public Information Director, P.O. Box 44020, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4020, 505-891-2664, Fax: 505-891-4320, www.overeatersanonymous.org/
About 9,000 groups in 50 countries worldwide
Some publications available include:
* A Program of Recovery
* The Newcomer's Packet
* Think First
* Recovery Checklist
* and many more.
• American Anorexia Bulimia Association
165 West 46 Street, #1108, New York, NY 10036, 212-575-6200, www.aabainc.org
Local chapters in 4 states
 
Endometriosis
• Endometriosis Research Center, 751 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 130, Boca Raton, FL 33487, 561-988-0767, 800-239-7200, Fax: 561-995-7121, www.endocenter.org
Some publications available include:
* Endometriosis FAQ
* Endo and Infertility
* Laparoscopy
* Alternative Therapies/Diet
* and many more.
 
Environmental Health
• Children's Environmental Health Network, 5900 Hollis Street, Suite R3, Emeryville, CA 94608, 510-597-1393, Fax: 510-597-1399, www.cehn.org/cehn/index.html
Some publications available include:
* Chronology of Children's Environmental Health
* Preventing Child Exposures to Environmental Hazards
* Children's Environmental Health and Cancer in Children
* Child Health and Asthma
* and many more.
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Mail Drop 32-05
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 800-643-4794, 919-541-3345, Fax: 919-541-4395, www.niehs.nih.gov
Some local centers
Some publications available include:
* Medicine for the Layman-Environment and Disease
* Questions and Answers About EMF
* Questions and Answers-EMF in the Workplace
* Asthma and Allergy Prevention
* and many more.
 
Epilepsy
• Epilepsy Foundation, 4315 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785, 301-459-3700, 800-EFA-1000
Fax: 301-557-4941, www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Local affiliates
Some publications available include:
* Epilepsy Facts and Figures
* The Workbook: A Self-Study Guide for Job Seekers with Epilepsy
* Parenting and You: A Guide for Parents with Seizure Disorders
* and many more.
 
Eye Problems
• National Eye Institute, Bldg. 31, Room 6A32, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-496-5248, www.nei.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Don't Lose Sight Of Glaucoma
* Don't Lose Sight of Cataract
 
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
Some publications available include:
* New Animal Drug for Increasing Milk Production
* Olestra and Other Fat Substitutes
* Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
* Homeopathy: Real Medicine or Empty Promise
* and many more.
 
Food Safety and Nutrition Information
• International Food Information Council Foundation, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036, 202-296-6540, Fax: 202-296-6547, http://ificinfo.health.org
Some publications available include:
* A Consumers Guide to Pesticides
* Everything You Need to Know About Asthma and Food
* Everything You Need to Know About Glutamate and Monosodium Glutamate
* Understanding Food Allergy
* and many more
• Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, 800-FDA-4010, 202-205-5004, http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/
Some publications available include:
* Foodborne Illness: What Consumers Need To Know
* All About Cooking Thermometers
* Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?
* Safer Eggs: Laying the Groundwork
* and many more.
 
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association, P.O. Box 1153, Germantown, MD, 20875-1153, 301-601-9541, www.reflux.org
Some local support chapters
Some publications available include:
* About Pediatric GER
* Reflux Digest: Focus on Medication
* Reflux Digest: Focus on Surgery
* Breastfeeding
* and more.
 
Head Injury
• Brain Injury Association, Inc., 105 North Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314:, 703-236-6000, 800-444-6443, Fax: 703-236-6001, www.biausa.org/
State affiliates
Some publications available include:
* Sports and Concussion
* The Road To Rehabilitation: Cognition and Memory
* Firearms Safety Fact Sheet
* Living Life After Brain Injury
* and many more.
• American Association of Neurological Surgeons/
Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 22 South Washington Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068, 847-692-9500, Fax: 847-692-2589, www.aans.org/splash.html
Some publications available include:
* Head Injury Brochure
* Sports-related Head Injury FAQ
* Head Injury - Questions to Ask!
* Questions and Answers - Head Injury
* and more.
 
Hearing Problems
• National Institute On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 1 Communication Way, Bethesda, MD 20892, 800-241-1044, www.nih.gov/nidcd
Some publications available include:
* Cochlear Implants
* Stuttering Fact Sheet
* Silence Isn't Always Golden
 
Heart Disease
• American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, 214-706-1200, 800-242-8721, www.americanheart.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Congestive Heart Failure
* Implantable Defibrillators
* What is Heart Disease?
* Cardiac Rehabilitation
* and many more.
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, 301-251-1222, 800-575-WELL, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Some publications available include:
* Controlling High Blood Pressure: A Guide for Older Women
* Healthy Heart Handbook for Women
* Facts About Angina
* Fact About Coronary Heart Disease
* and many more.
 
High Blood Pressure
• National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824, 301-529-8573, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Some publications available include:
* Protect Your Heat! Prevent High Blood Pressure
* Controlling High Blood Pressure: A Woman's Guide
* How To Prevent High Blood Pressure
 
Immunizations
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop D25, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, 800-CDC-SHOT, www.cdc.gov
Facilities in 10 states
Some publications available include:
* 6 Common Misconceptions about Vaccination
* Vaccine Safety: What You Need to Know
* Adult Immunizations: Strategies That Work
* Immunizations Factsheets
* and many more.
 
Impotence
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 3 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-654-4415, www.niddk.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Impotence
 
Incontinence
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-654-4415, www.niddk.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Urinary Incontinence In Children
* Urinary Tract Infections In Children
 
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
Some publications available include:
* Kidney Disease of Diabetics
* Polycystic Kidney Disease
* Your Kidneys and How They Work
* Kidney Transplantation
* and many more.
 
Lead
• National Lead Information Center, 8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 503, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 800-424-LEAD (clearinghouse), 800-LEAD-FYI (hotline), www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm
Some publications available include:
* Lead in Your Drinking Water
* Lead in Your Home: A Parents Reference Guide
* Lead Poisoning and Your Children
* Occupational Exposure to Lead: Final Standard
* and many more.
 
Learning Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities Association of America, 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349, 412-341-1515, Fax: 412-344-0224, www.ldanatl.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Central Auditory Processing Problems in Children
* Speech-Language Disorders, Early Identification of
* Learning Disabilities and Educational Standards
* Early Childhood
* and many more.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc., 381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10016, 212-545-7510, Toll Free and Referral: 888-575-7373
Some publications available include:
* The Evaluation Process
* General Information Packet on Learning Disabilities
* NCLD TIPS
* JD/LD Link (Juvenile Delinquency and Learning Disabilities)
* and many more.
 
Liver Disease
• American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038, 800-GO-LIVER (465-4837), 973-256-2550, www.liverfoundation.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Hepatitis C
* Other Diseases and Forms of Liver Injury
* Pediatric Liver Disease
* Diagnosis and Prevention
* and many more.
 
Leukemia
• Leukemia Society of America, Marketing Department, 600 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, 212-573-8484, 800-955-4LSA, www.leukemia.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* What Everyone Should Know About Leukemia
* Emotional Aspects of Childhood Leukemia
* Bone Marrow Transplantation
* Making Intelligent Choices About Therapy
* and many more.
• National Children's Leukemia Foundation
250 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10021, 212-644-8822, 24 hour hotline: 800-GIVE HOPE, (440-3467), Fax: 212-644-8826, www.leukemiafoundation.org/home/1found/index.html
Children With Leukemia
JLS Foundation, 14160 Dallas Parkway #300, Dallas, TX 75240, 972-308-8383, Fax: 972-770-5666, www.jlsfoundation.org
Some publications available include:
* What to Expect-Your Child
* What to Expect-Parents
* Treatments-Alternative/ Homeopathy
* Treatments-Chemotherapy
* and more.
• National Marrow Donor Program, 3433 Broadway Street, NE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55413
800-MARROW2 (800-627-7692), www.marrow.org/
Donor centers in most states
Publication topics include:
* explanation of marrow transplantation
* search process
* financing
* other treatment options
* and more.
 
Medicare
• Medicare Hotline, Health Care Financing Administration, 6325 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21207, 800-638-6833, www.medicare.gov
Some publications available include:
* Medicare and You
* Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home
* Advance Directives
* Handbookette-Understanding Your Medicare Choices
* and many more.
 
Mental Health
• National Institute of Mental Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C02, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-443-4513, www.nimh.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
* Getting Treatment for Panic Disorder
* Plain Talk About Depression
* Anorexia Nervosa
 
Multiple Sclerosis
• Multiple Sclerosis Association, 706 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-2652, 609-488-4500, 800-LEARN-MS, Fax: 609-661-9797, www.msaa.com/
Local support groups
Some publications available include:
* What is MS?
* Multiple Sclerosis: The Process and Medical Treatment
* Multiple Sclerosis: Managing Symptoms
* Family Relationships and Multiple Sclerosis
* and many more.
• MedSupport FSF International, 3132 Timberview Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698, 800-793-0766, www.medsupport.org
Some publications available include:
* Problems Diagnosing MS
* Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Explained
* "A Journey Through Life with MS"
* Finding the Right Doctor for YOU
* and many more.
 
Neurological Conditions
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, P.O. Box 5801, Bethesda, MD 20824, 800-352-9424, www.ninds.nih.gov
Some publications available include:
* Autism
* Parkinson's
* Stroke
 
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
Some publications available include:
* Child Nutrition and Health
* Dietary Guidelines for Americans
* Nutrition and Learning/Behavior
* Nutrition Education
* and many more.
• American Dietetic Association, 216 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606
312-899-0040, 800-366-1655, www.eatright.org
Affiliate (state) associations
Some publications available include:
* Nutrition for You and Your Family
* Dieting/Low-fat Lifestyle
* Shopping for Food
* Women's Nutrition
* and many more.
• 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
Some publications available include:
* Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program
* Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?
* Helping Your Overweight Child
* Weight Loss For Life
* and many more.
 
Oral Health
• National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, 1 NOTICE Way, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-402-7364, www.aerie.com/nohicweb
Some publications available include:
* What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer
* Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
* Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
* NOHIC: A Resource for Special Care Patients
* and many more.
• Academy of General Dentistry, Suite 1200, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2670, 312-440-4300, www.agd.org
Some publications available include:
* Child's First Visit
* Gum Disease
* Oral Cancer
* Composite Fillings
* and many more.
 
Osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, 1150 17th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, 800-624-BONE, 202-223-0344, www.osteo.org
Some publications available include:
* Osteoporosis Overview
* Psychosocial Issues
* Juvenile Osteoporosis
* Osteoporosis and African-American Women
* and more.
 
Pregnancy
• International Childbirth Education Association, P.O. Box 20048, Minneapolis, MN 55420
800-624-4934, www.icea.org
Some publications available include:
* Elisabeth Bing's Guide to Moving Through Pregnancy
* Six Practical Lessons for an Easier Childbirth
* Your Pregnancy Questions and Answers
* Which Tests for My Unborn Baby?
* and many more.
• National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse, Health Resources and Services Administration, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-356-1964, www.nmchc.org
Some publications available include:
* Reproductive Health
* Perinatal Health General
* Prenatal Care
* Reducing Infant Mortality and Morbidity
* and many more.
• Postpartum Support International, 927 North Kellogg Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
805-967-7636, www.iup.edu/an/postpartum
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* An Introduction to Postpartum Illness
• La Leche League International, 1400 North Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4079, Schaumburg, IL 60168, 800-LALECHE, www.lalecheleague.org
Local support groups
Some publications available include:
* Nursing Your Baby
* The Nursing Mothers' Guide to Weaning
* Breastfeeding the Adopted Baby
* Medications and Mother's Milk
* and many more
 
Premature Babies
• For Parents of Preemies, Meriter Hospital, Neonatology 6C, 202 South Park Street, Madison, WI 53715, {ww2.medsch.wisc.edu/chilrenshosp/parents_of_preemie_index.html.,
(Address for ordering their book only.)
Website is made up of the book, which includes these topics:
* Introduction to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
* Apnea and Bradycardia of Prematurity
* Understanding Preemie Development
* Later Problems of Former Preemies
* and many more.
 
Product Safety
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Hotline, Washington, DC 20207, 800-638-2772, www.cpsc.gov
Some publications available include:
* Bunk Beds Safety Warning
* Home Playground Safety Tips Fact Sheet
* CPSC Guide to Home Wiring Hazards
* Upholstered Furniture Fact Sheet
* and many more.
 
Rare Diseases
• National Organization for Rare Disorder, Inc., Fairwood Professional Building, 100 Route 37, P.O. Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923, Voice-TDD: 203-746-6518, 800-999-6673, Fax: 203-746-6481, www.rarediseases.org
Some local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Carcinoma, Renal Cell
* Bell's Palsy
* Prader-Willi Syndrome
* Myopathy, Congenial, Batten-Turner Type
* and many more.
• National Parent Parent Support and Information System, Inc., P.O. Box 907, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, Voice-TDD: 706-374-3822, 800-651-1151, Fax: 706-374-3826, www.nppsis.org
Links families nationally
 
Rural Information
• Rural Information Center Health Service, National Agricultural Library, Room 304, 1031 Baltimore Boulevard, Beltsville, MD 20705, 800-633-7701, www.nal.usda.gov/ric/richs
Some publications available include:
* Rural Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
* Rural Youth Employment
* Health Care in Rural America
* Arts and Humanities Programs in Rural America
* and many more.
 
Skin Cancer
• Cancer Care, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, 800-813-HOPE, 212-221-3300, www.cancercare.org
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* Conquering Melanoma
* Treatment Options
* Risk Factor and Reducing Your Risks
* Coping with Treatment Side Effects
* and many more.
• American Academy of Dermatology, 930 North Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL, 60168-4014, 847-330-0230, 888-462-DERM, Fax: 847-330-0050, www.aad.org
Some publications available include:
* The ABCD's of Melanoma
* How Skin Cancer Is Treated
* How to Perform a Self-Examination
* Skin Cancer Risk Profile
* and many more.
 
Skin Disease
• National Psoriasis Foundation, 6600 SW 92nd Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97223-7195, 503-244-7404, 800-723-9166, Fax: 503-245-0626, www.psoriasis.org
Some publications available include:
* Overview of Psoriasis Treatments
* Psoriatic Arthritis
* Skin Cancer Risks From Psoriasis Treatments
* Steroids
* and many more.
• Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, Inc., P.O. Box 669, Ardmore, PA 19003, 610-789-3995, 610-789-4366, www.libertynet.org/ichthyos/index.html
Regional support network
Some publications available include:
* Ichthyosis: An Overview
* Release the Butterfly: A Handbook for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Ichthyosis
* Ichthyosis: The Genetics of Its Inheritance
* and more.
• DebRA of America, Inc., 40 Rector Street, Suite 1403, New York, NY 10006, 212-513-4090, Fax: 212-513-4099, www.debra.org/welcome.htm
Some state chapters
Some publications available include:
* The Thin Skinned Kids
* EB and the Eyes
* Coping With Epidermolysis Bullosa in the Classroom: An Informed and Sensitive Home/School
* Partnership Makes The Difference
* Hope Through Research
* and many more.
 
Sleep Disorders
• National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, 2 Rockledge Center, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7920, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-0199, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Some publications available include:
* Facts About Sleep Apnea
* Fact About Narcolepsy
* Facts About Insomnia
* Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
* and many more.
 
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 Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-5705, 800-CDC-1311, www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/osh
Some publications available include:
* Smokeless Tobacco: A Dangerous Alternative
* "I Quit" - What to Do When You're Sick of Smoking, Chewing, or Dipping
* What You Can Do About Secondhand Smoke
* Is Your Baby Smoking?
* Clearing the Air
* Out of the Ashes
* Chew or Snuff Is Real Bad Stuff
* and many more.
 
Spina Bifida
• Spina Bifida Association of America, 4590 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007-4226, 202-944-3285, 800-621-3141, Fax: 202-944-3295, www.sbaa.org/
Local chapters
Some publications available include:
* SBAA General Information Brochure
* Answers to Your Questions About Spina Bifida
* Learning Disabilities and the Person With Spina Bifida
* A Cost Effective Guide in a Legal Framework
* and many more.
 
Spinal Cord Injury
• National Spinal Cord Injury Association, 8300 Colesville Road, Suite 551, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-588-6959, 800-962-9629, Fax: 301-588-9414, www.spinalcord.org
State affiliates and support groups
Some publications available include:
* Resources for Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury
* Choosing a Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Facility
* Common Questions on Spinal Cord Injury
* Functional Electrical Stimulation
* and many more.
• Paralysis Society of America
801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517, 202-973-8420, SPI Hotline: 800-526-3456,
M-F, 9am-5pm, 24 hours for new injuries, 888-772-1711, TTY: 202-973-8422, Fax: 202-973-8421
www.psa.org
Some publications available include:
* PN/Paraplegia News
* A Guide to Wheelchair Sports and Recreation
* In Touch with Kids
* An Introduction to Spinal Cord Injury: Understanding the Changes
* and many more.
 
Substance Abuse
• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847
800-729-6686, www.health.org
Some publications available include:
* Prevention Alert-The Changing Face of Heroine: Teenagers at Increased Risk
* Physical and Psychological Risks of Anabolic Steroid Use
* "Making Prevention Work"
* and many more.
• 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
Some publications available include:
* Adolescent Health and Social Consequences of Alcohol Use
* Marijuana-Accumulation in the Body
* Drug Fads
* "The Home That PRIDE Built"
* and many more.
• National Substance Abuse Helplines, 164 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023, 800-COCAINE, 800-DRUGHELP, 800-RELAPSE, www.drughelp.org
Some publications available include:
* A Guide For Parents Concerned About Drug Abuse
* General Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
* Inhalants: A Household Danger
* intervention information
* and many more.
 
Tay-Sachs Disease
• National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, Inc., 2001 Beacon Street, Suite 204, Brighton, MA 02135, 800-906-8723, Fax: 617-277-0134
http://mcrcr2.med.nyu.edu/murphp01/taysachs.htm
Parent Peer Group
Some publications available include:
* What Every Family Should Know
* Services To Families
* Home Care Manual
* Late Onset Tay-Sachs
* and many more
 
Thyroid Disease
• The MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth, 1327 North Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302-1376, 708-383-0808, 800-3MAGIC3, Fax: 708-383-0899, www.magicfoundation.org
National networking
Some publications available include:
* Underlying Conditions of Growth Abnormalities
* Most Frequently Asked Questions When Beginning Growth Hormone Therapy
* Dental Problems Associated With Growth
* Thyroid Disorders
* and many more.
• The Thyroid Society, 7515 South Main Street, Suite 545, Houston, TX 77030, 800-THYROID (849-7643), 713-799-9909, www.the-thyroid-society.org/
Some publications available include:
* Facts for People Given Radiation (X-ray) Treatments as Children
* What About Tests and Treatment?
* What Is Thyroid Disease?
* Depression and Thyroid Disease

Easter Seals Offers Relief For Caregivers (top)
Easter Seals is dedicated to helping children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full potential and future independence. Respite Care is a service that provides the caregiver with relief for a few hours or days at a time to rest and run errands. This and other services are available for low or no cost depending on income. Contact Easter Seals Officer, 230 West Monroe Street # 1800, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-726-6200; 800-221-6825; {www.seals.com}.

Financial Assistance for Organ Transplants (top)
The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) assists patients, families and friends in raising the necessary funds for the patient's transplant care when public or private insurance will not cover all the costs. To be considered for NFT's fund raising program, a candidate must:
*Be a candidate for an organ or tissue transplant, be recommended for transplantation by their doctor, OR be a transplant recipient,
*Have transplant-related costs estimated to be $10,000 or more that are not expected to be covered by private insurance or public assistance,
*Be a legal resident of the United States and be willing to have the transplant procedure take place in the United States, and
*Have a significant number of friends, family or other acquaintances willing to volunteer to help with the patient's NFT campaign in the United States.
Contact The National Foundation for Transplants, 1102 Brookfield, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119; 800-489-3863 or 901-684-1697; Fax: 901-684-1128; {E-mail: nftpr@aol.com}.

Free or Low Cost Health Insurance for Children (top)
Insure Kids Now!, a national campaign sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, links children from birth to 18 years of age to free or low-cost health insurance. Although eligibility differs for each state, most states require a family of four to earn up to $34,100 a year to be eligible for the program. Contact Health Resources and Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857; 877-KIDS-NOW (877-543-7669) - Toll-free number; {http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/}; {http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.htm}: for New York Web Site: {www.health.state.ny.us/}.

Free Wheelchairs (top)
The Easter Seals, and other organizations provide free wheelchairs and other related medical equipment, like walkers, commodes, bathtub rails, crutches, transfer benches, electric wheelchairs and scooters, on a short-or long-term basis. Some programs may require a refundable deposit. Contact Easter Seals, 230 West Monroe Street #1800, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-726-6200; 800-221-6825; {www.seals.com}.

Free Health Care For Connecticut Residents (top)
AmeriCares Free Clinics are open to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and who are without the financial resources to afford medical care. Services include minor injuries, various tests, school and pre-employment exams, episodic and chronic illnesses, as well as general outpatient services. AmeriCares operates three clinics in the Connecticut area. For a listing of locations check the following website; {www.americares.org/FreeClinics}.

Free Orthopedic and Burn Care for Children (top)
The Shrine Of North America is an international fraternity of approximately 515,000 members throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Panama. The Shrine's official philanthropy is Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide expert, no-cost orthopedic and burn care to children under age 18. In light of the recent attacks, emergency burn treatment will be provided by the Shriners Hospitals with burn centers in Boston, Galveston, Cincinnati, and Sacramento. The orthopedic Shriners Hospitals are also prepared to provide emergency medical assistance. Although Shriners Hospitals are dedicated to treating children, Shrine leaders have stated that in the light of the scope of this tragedy, Shriners Hospital will provide assistance to adult victims as well. Contact Shriners Hospitals, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631; 800-237-5055; {www.shrinershq.org}.

Free Meds (top)
Free prescription medicine is available to any US citizen, of any age, who lacks insurance or has met their insurance limit. The Medicine Program was established to help patients who cannot afford necessary prescription drugs. You must be able to demonstrate your financial need. Contact The Medicine Program, P.O. Box 515, Doniphan, MO 63935; 573-996-7300; {www.themedicineprogram.com}.

Money, Medical Care and Job Training for Federal Employee Victims (top)
Federal civilian employees who were injured while on duty from the World Trade Center /Pentagon attacks or subsequent rescue operations are covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Surviving spouses of Federal employees and dependent children are also entitled to benefits, as are rescue workers who have been deputized by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Federal employees with traumatic injuries are entitled to up to 45 days of continued pay, and after that can receive up to 75 percent of their salary as long as they are disabled. The compensation also includes all necessary medical care for the effects of injury and vocational rehabilitation as needed. Survivors are entitled to between 50 - 75 percent of the deceased employee's pay, based on the number of dependents. Search and rescue workers, when deputized by FEMA, are entitled to the same benefits as Federal workers for injuries while involved in the emergency activities. To Obtain Forms and Filing Claims: 866-999-3322; New York Claims From WTC; 212-337-2037; Claims Can Be Faxed To: 212-337-2663. 

Free Flights for Kids (top)
Miracle Flights for Kids is a nonprofit organization that arranges for free, comfortable flights for children that need to receive specialized medical care not available to them locally. The organization has offered to also provide this service to adult victims of the terrorist attack. Their website has an online application. Contact Miracle Flights for Kids, 2756 N. Green Valley Parkway #115, Green Valley, NV 89014; 702-261-0494; Fax: 702-261-0497; {www.miracleflights.org}.

Teens Can Get Confidential GYN Exams for $5.00 (top)
In Montgomery County, MD, teenage girls can get gynecological exams, breast exams and even birth control counseling at the local Planned Parenthood Clinic for only $5.00. All they need to have is a note from the school nurse. Planned Parenthood has 900 clinics around the country and services vary according to local laws and funding sources. To investigate what your local clinic offers call 1-800-230-PLAN. Contact Planned Parenthood Federation of American, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019; 212-541-7800; Fax: 212-245-1845; {www.plannedparenthood.org}.

Things You Should Know About Quality Mammograms (top)
This free publication is available in English or Spanish from Publications Clearinghouse, Health Care Policy and Research, 2101 E. Jefferson, Suite 501, Rockville, MD 20852; 800-358-9295; {www.ahcpr.gov}.

Abortions Starting At $250 (top)
Some of the 900 Planned Parenthood clinics offer abortions during the first 11 weeks of pregnancy starting at $250 for those not covered by health insurance. In some cases they even have special funds to help women pay for services. To investigate what your local clinic offers, call 1-800-230-PLAN. You can also contact Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019; 212-261-4647; Fax: 212-261-4560; {www.plannedparenthood.org}. There is another consumer hotline that can also handle your abortion related questions: Contact The National Abortion Federation, 1755 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036; 800-772-9100 or in Canada 800-424-2282, weekdays from 9:00 to 7:00 EST; {www.prochoice.org/ index.html}.

H-E-A-L-T-H-F-I-N-D-E-R (top)
This is a gateway consumer health information web site from the U.S. government that can lead you to online publications, clearinghouses, databases, web sites, and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations that produce reliable information for the public: {www.healthfinder.org}.

Is Your Food Safe? (top)
E-coli, Salmonella, and Listeria Monocytogenes. Fungi, viruses, parasites, and bacteria in foods are estimated to account for 6.5 to 33 million cases of human illness and up to 9,000 deaths in the United States each year. Since 1992, when E coli contaminated hamburger in a fast-food restaurant in Washington and made 500 people ill, consumers seem to be more aware of the potential problems with food safety. Now the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 20,000 cases of E coli infections happen every year. And many people even know that the nitrates in your water may cause "blue baby syndrome." If you need the facts on food safety, contact the government's main information center on the topic: USDA/FDA Foodborne Illness Education Information Center, National Agricultural Library/ USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705; 301-504-5719; fax: 301-504-6409; {foodborne@nal.usda.gov}.

Grants Up To $2,500 and Loans To Finance Adoptions (top)
The National Adoption Foundation helps arrange loans and provides limited grants for parents to cover expenses before and after adoption. They also provide information on sources of other financial help like the 325 Fortune 500 companies who offer an average cash reimbursement of $4,000 for their employees who adopt, or the new adoption expense tax credit that is available from the IRS. Contact: National Adoption Foundation, 100 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811; 203-791-3811. The following organizations also provide free publications, referral services and advice on adoption and searching for birth relatives:
* National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, 330 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20447; 888-251-0075; 703-352-3488; {www.calib.com/naic}.
* National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut St, Suite 701, Philadelphia, PA, 19102; Answer Line: 215-735-9988; 800-TU-ADOPT; {www.adopt.org}.
* National Council For Adoption, 1930 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202-328-1200; fax: 202-332-0935; {www.ncfa-usa.org}.

Free Nutrition Analysis Tool (top)
Allows you to analyze the foods you eat for various different nutrients. Developed by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign at
{http://spectre.ag.uiuc.edu/~food-lab/nat/}.

Free Plastic Surgery For Children (top)
Austin Smiles provides free reconstructive plastic surgery, mainly to repair cleft lip and palate, to the children around Austin, Texas. They do about 75 surgeries a year. Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation, P.O. Box 26694, Austin, TX 78755-0694; 512-451-9300; Fax: 512-451-9312; {www.main.org/smiles/}. To see if similar services are available anywhere near you contact Cleft Palate Foundation, 104 S. Estes Dr., Suite 204, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 800-24-CLEFT; 919-933-9044.

An Extra $6,000 A Year If You Can't Work (top)
Is your check too small to live on? If so, don't be discouraged. If you don't qualify for Social Security, or if your benefits are very low, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program was established to help poor seniors over 65, as well as the blind and disabled, meet basic living needs. To qualify, you must meet a maximum monthly income test. Some of the income and services you receive are excluded when they calculate your monthly income in relation to your personal expenses. Those who meet SSI's eligibility usually automatically qualify for Medicaid coverage and food stamp benefits. Studies have found that only between 40 and 60 percent of those who qualify for SSI actually receive benefits under the program. To find out if you qualify, contact your local Social Security office or call the Social Security Hotline at 800-772-1213.

Emergency Help From Domestic Violence (top)
If you or someone you know is being emotionally or physically abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This hotline is supported with funds from the Violence Against Women Act, which also gives money for local governments to hire more prosecutors to enforce domestic violence laws, and to improve domestic violence training among prosecutors, police officers, and health and social services professionals. Contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline, P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716; 800-799-SAFE; TTY 800-787-3224; {www.ndvh.org}.

Free Nutritional Quiz (top)
Take the online "Rate Your Plate" nutritional quiz from the American Dietetic Association and find out how you can make your diet a healthier one. Contact American Dietetic Association 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 312-899-0040; 800-366-1655; {E-mail: hotline@eatright.org}; {www.eatright.org/nuresources. html} (Rate Your Plate).

Free Speech Therapy For Toddlers (top)
It doesn't matter how much money you earn. You can have your child tested to see if any speech problems are developing and even get free speech therapy. It's part of the U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to make sure that children in need receive special education beginning on their third birthday, and in some states, like Virginia, it starts at age 2. The program is run through your local school district, so check with them first, or your state Department of Education listed in the blue pages of your phone book. You can also contact Division of Educational Services, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, 330 C St., SW, Washington, DC 20202; 202-205-9172; {www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/osep.html}.

Free Help - At Your Home, - Every Day - For The First 3 Weeks After Childbirth (top)
The Healthy Families America Project operates 300 programs in 40 states. It helps new mothers cope with the pressures of being a new parent by offering volunteer home visitors who come to your home for the first three weeks after birth. They are trained to show you how to deal with the physical, emotional and financial strains of a new baby. First time mothers and older mothers are among those considered for the program. To see if there is a program in your area and if you qualify, contact National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604; 312-663-3520; Fax: 312-939-8962; {www.childabuse.org}.

Camp Wheezeaway If Free For Kids With Asthma (top)
Every year, about 80 kids with asthma, between 8 and 12 years of age, can go to summer camp for free in Jackson Cap, Alabama. For information on how to apply, contact American Lung Association of Alabama, 900 South 18th St., Birmingham, AL 35205; 205-933-8821. For more information on other camps for children with asthma, or other questions concerning asthma, contact The American Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019; 212-315-8700; 800-LUNG-USA; {www.lungusa.org}.

Hotline Locates Wandering Alzheimer's Patients (top)
Alzheimer's patients are known to wander away and even wind up in other cities. My father, in his later years, went for a drive that took him into someone's back yard. Safe Return is a national clearinghouse that helps police and private citizens locate and return lost Alzheimer's patients. Contact The Alzheimer's Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611; 800-272-3900; {www.alz.org}.

Find Out How Long You'll Live & Save $50 (top)
A free, personalized, confidential Health Risk Assessment is available online from a health care consulting firm called Greenstone Healthcare Solutions in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From the information you provide through a questionnaire, they process the data instantly against a database of statistics showing what kind of behavior shortens your life. Your instant report shows you how many years you can add by changing your behavior. I took the test and it showed that my health is six years younger than my age, but I can still add two years to my life. Such assessments usually cost from $10 to $50. But here, it's free. Contact Greenstone Healthcare Solutions at {www.youfirst.com}; 800-561-3261.

Head Lice Hotline (top)
Anywhere from 6 to 10 million kids a year get head lice. That's one of the reasons why the U.S. Federal Trade Commission made three large producers of head lice treatment shampoos change their false advertising claims. They claimed that their shampoos eliminated head lice 100% of the time. They don't. To get the facts about head lice treatments or to report outbreaks, treatment failures, or adverse reactions to treatments, contact The National Pediculosis Association, P.O. Box 610189, Newton, MA 02161; 800-446-4672; 781-449-6487; Fax: 781-449-8129; {www.headlice.org}.

Free Private Eye and Mediation For Missing Children (top)
Besides location and investigative services, as well as mediation services for families estranged by parental abduction, you can also get free kidnapping prevention programs and referral and support services. Contact Find-A-Child of America, Inc., P.O. Box 277, New Paltz, NY 12561; 800-I-AM-LOST; 914-255-1848; 800-A-WAY-OUT (for mediation and support); {www.childfindofamerica.org}.

Law Gives Kids With ADD Free Special Classes (top)
The nonprofit organization, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD), identifies a number of federal laws that require the government to provide children with this disorder special educational services. It is only recently that these children became eligible for such services, so many eligible children may not be receiving what they deserve. To learn more about these free educational services, or to find out more and how to treat a child with ADD, or what's good and bad about available treatments, contact: CHADD, 8181 Professional Place, Suite 201, Landover, MD 20785; 800-233-4050; Fax: 301-306-7090; {www.chadd.org}.

Grant Money For Parents of Children With Hearing Loss (top)
If your child is under 6 and has a moderate to profound hearing loss, you can apply for money to pay for intervention, educational and/or rehabilitation services. There is also money available for children with hearing loss between the ages of 5 and 19 to attend art or science courses during the summer, weekends, or even after school. Contact: Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, 3417 Volta Place, NW, Washington, DC 20007; 202-337-5220, TTY: 202-337-5221; {www.agbell.org}.

Sightless Get Free Seeing Eye Dogs, Training, Travel and Air Fare (top)
Pilot Dogs gives its trained animals to the blind at absolutely no charge. They also include four weeks of training in using the dog and will pay for room and board, all equipment, and round trip transportation. Other groups provide similar services:
*Pilot Dogs, Inc., 625 West Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215; 614-221-6367; fax: 614-221-1577; {www.pilotdogs.org/index.shtml}.
*Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc, 371 East Jericho Tpke., Smithtown, NJ 11787; 800-548-4337; 631-265-2121; {www.guidedog.org}.

Finding A Doctor In A Hay Stack (top)
650,000 doctor practices are online at {www.ama-assn.org}. You can search by name, specialty, and get reference info on all major diseases and conditions.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling & Treatment (top)
Georgia provides outpatient counseling services, short-term residential programs, and even school student assistance programs. Florida provides substance abuse treatment programs through a partnership with 102 public and private not-for-profit community providers. Delaware contracts with private organizations around the state to provide screening, outpatient counseling, and detoxification, as well as short term and long term treatment. Contact your state Department of Health, listed in the blue pages of your phone book, to see what your state has to offer. There are also nonprofit organizations who, by themselves, offer free treatment to people, like the Center for Drug-Free Living in Orlando, Florida (5029 N. Lane, Suite 8, Orlando, FL 32808; 407-245-0012; {www.cfdfl.com}). If your state can't help you get the information or treatment you need, one or both of the following hotlines should be able to help:
* National Drug and Treatment Routing Service, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 6000 Executive Blvd, Willco Bldg., Bethesda, MD 20892; 800-662-HELP; {www.niaaa.nih.gov}.
* The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852; 800-729-6686 24 hours a day; 301-468-2600 TDD; {www.health.org}.

Report Bad Burgers (top)
Or any other food, for that matter, that makes you, or someone you know, sick. Your local public health officials will take immediate action. They'll get you treated and make sure the problem does not spread. Contact your county office of public health listed in your telephone book, or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book.

Free Care Even If You Don't Qualify (top)
You or your child may still be able to get free health care from local government programs even if you don't qualify. Many local health offices have the authority to stretch the rules if they see fit. Others have set up special arrangements with the local medical society for people who don't qualify for their programs. These offices can direct you to local nonprofit organizations or groups that can give you the care you need at the price you can afford. Contact your county office of public health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If you cannot get satisfaction from these offices, contact your local office of your state or federal elected official.

Morning After Hotline: Eliminate A Pregnancy Within Three Days After Unprotected Intercourse (top)
When all else fails, the Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) taken within 72 hours after having unprotected intercourse, with a second dose 12 hours after the first, increases your chances of NOT getting pregnant by 75%. The hotline describes the procedures and will direct you to four local offices and clinics that offer these pills. For women who already have birth control pills, the clinic will instruct her on how to use them correctly as emergency contraception. If you don't already have pills, you can get a prescription for emergency contraception. Call the hotline operated by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University at 800-584-9911; {http://opr.princeton.edu/ec/}.

Over-the-Counter Birth Control Made Easy (top)
Find out the cost and what's good and bad about using over-the-counter products like foam, suppositories, vaginal film, sponge, and the male and female condom for birth control. Check out the web page of the Feminist Women's Health Center at {www.fwhc.org}.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill Available Without A Prescription (top)
Call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE in the state of Washington and you can find a local pharmacist who can directly prescribe Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP). Going directly to a pharmacist allows women to skip the process of going to a clinic or doctor or a prescription and provides access to pharmacies on evenings, weekends and holidays. The use of such pills within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 75%. Normally 8 in 100 women who have unprotected intercourse once during the second or third week of their menstrual cycle will become pregnant. Taking ECPs will reduce this to 2 out of 100. For more information about the programs, contact: Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, 4 Nickerson Street, Seattle, WA 98109; 206-285-3500; Fax: 206-285-6619; {www.path.org}.

Help from Federal Trade Commission (top)
"The Facts About Weight Loss Products and Programs"
" Infertility Services" - how to choose a good one
"The Skinny on Dieting" - the facts about weight loss claims
All free from Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference, Room 130, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222, 877-FTC-HELP; {www.ftc.gov}.

FIGHT BACK - What to Do When Your HMO Says No (top)
This booklet is free from The Center for Patient Advocacy, 1350 Beverly Road, Suite 108, McLean, VA 22101; 800-846-7444; {www.patientadvocacy.org}.

Free Mammograms/ Free Tests For Breast and Cervical Cancer (top)
An estimated 2 million American women will be diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer in the 1990s, and half a million will lose their lives from these diseases. Screening could prevent up to 30% of these deaths for women over 40. The government's Center for Disease Control will spend about $145 million a year to maintain a state-by-state program to establish greater access to screening and follow-up services. Each state runs their program a little differently. Most states have the following requirements:
* women starting 40 or 50 years old,
* are underinsured or have no insurance
* have income below a certain level (usually $32,000 or $40,000 for family of 4)
Some states can adjust eligibility requirements for special cases. States vary in the array of services covered but they normally include:
* breast and cervical cancer screening
* mammograms
* treatment if diagnosed with cancer
* breast reconstruction or prosthesis
States that don't have direct funds for treatment often make arrangements with other facilities to provide treatment for free. If your screening has been done elsewhere, you can still receive free treatment under this program. Men diagnosed with breast cancer can also receive free treatment. Contact your county office of public health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. You can also contact the main office of this program at Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-64, Atlanta, GA 30341, 888-842-6355, 770-488-4751; {www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dcpc/nbccedp/index.htm}.

More Free Mammograms (top)
Not all insurance companies pay for mammograms, and not every woman is eligible for the government's program described earlier. The following organizations can help you identify free and low cost mammograms in your area.
1) The American Cancer Society: contact your local office the national office at 800-ACS-2345.
2) YMCA's Encore Plus Program: contact your local office or the national office at 800-95-EPLUS
3) National Cancer Institute: 800-4-CANCER
4) State Office of Breast and Cervical Cancer: contact your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book
5) October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: many mammogram facilities offer their services at special fees during this period. Call and see what kind of deal you can get.
6) Medicare coverage of mammograms: call 800-638-6833
For a free copy of How To Get A Low Cost Mammogram, contact National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, (NABCO) 9 East 37th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016; 800-719-9154; {www.nabco.org}.

Free Food At School For Your Kids (top)
A 1998 Tufts University study states: "Children who participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast Program were shown to have significantly higher standardized achievement test scores than eligible non-participants. Children getting school breakfasts also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates." Your child can get a free breakfast at one of the 70,000 participating schools at one income level ($21,385 for family of 4) and at a reduced fee at another level ($30,433 for family of 4). Families who pay full price still get a bargain. Over 6.9 million kids participate and 5.9 million get it for free or at a reduced rate. Lunch is also available under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch program at 95,000 schools serving 26 million children. The same general requirements apply to both programs. Ask your school if they participate, or contact your local School Food Service Authority in your school system. If all this fails, contact your state Department of Education listed in the blue pages of your phone book. Check out the Food and Nutrition Services web page at {www.usda.gov/fncs/}.

Rich Kids Pay 2 Cents For Half-Pint of Milk (top)
Milk at this price is available to students, no matter what the family income, at over 8,000 schools, 1,400 summer camps, and 500 non-residential child care institutions. The program is called the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Milk Program and is available to institutions that do not use the School Breakfast Program or the National School Lunch program. Ask your school if they participate, or contact your local School Food Service Authority in your school system. If all this fails, contact your state Department of Education listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If you cannot get satisfaction from these offices, contact your local office of your state or federal elected official.

Low Cost Immunizations for Travelers (top)
In order to prevent contracting diseases like Yellow Fever, Cholera or Japanese Encephalitis when traveling in other countries, the government's Center for Disease Control recommends that certain vaccines would eliminate your risk of infection. Some local Public Health offices offer these vaccines at a fraction of what you would pay at a doctor's office. To find your local county office of health, look in your telephone book or contact your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. For more information about disease and vaccines for travel, contact: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-03, Atlanta, GA 30333; 404-638-8100; Fax: 404-639-2500; {www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm}.

National Immunization Information Hotline (top)
This hotline tells you where you can go locally to get Free Immunization shots for your kids or flu shots for yourself. Immunizations for children can run as much as $335 per child. This program is run by the U.S. Government's Center for Disease Control, which can answer almost any question you have about shots over the telephone or send you free publications. In most areas of the country, immunizations are available FREE for children. Adult services may be free or very low cost. Call 800-232-2522 (English); 800-232-0233 (Spanish); {www.cdc.gov/nip}.

Free Hepatitis B Shots To Children (top)
Oswego County Health Department offers free shots for children 18 and younger. The same with Buena-Vista County in Iowa, but people 19 and over are charged $31.75 for the shot. However, you won't be turned away if you cannot pay. Hepatitis can cause serious liver disease, cancer and even death. About 1 in 20 people in U.S. have been infected, and over 4,000 a year die. To find out about services in your area, contact the county office of health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book.

30% of All Families Eligible For Free Health Services - Others Pay Sliding Scale (top)
Many services provided by county governments are free and persons who don't qualify for free services are charged on a sliding scale based on income. A typical fee chart is the one below from Denton, Texas. The data is based on 1996 Federal Poverty Rates from the Bureau of the Census. Denton also states that NO ONE WILL BE REFUSED SERVICES FOR INABILITY TO PAY, which is typical for most counties. REMEMBER, if you don't qualify for free services, everyone qualifies for services on a sliding scale.
Estimated Income Limits For Free Service:
Food Vouchers and Nutritional Info (185% of poverty)
Single Person, $14,893
Family of 2, $20,073
Family of 4, $30,433
Prenatal Care During Pregnancy (200% of poverty)
Single Person, $16,100
Family of 2, $21,700
Family of 4, $32,900
Child Medical Care (200% of poverty)
Single Person, $16,100
Family of 2, $21,700
Family of 4, $32,900
Adult Health Care (150% of poverty)
Single Person, $12,075
Family of 2, $16,275
Family of 4, $24,675
Dental Care (150% of poverty)
Single Person, $12,075
Family of 2, $16,275
Family of 4, $24,675
HIV Counseling & Testing
No limits, $10.00 donation requested
Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic
No limits, $10.00 donation requested
Tuberculosis
No limits, $4.00 for testing
Overseas Vaccinations
No limits, $5.00 to $50.00
Immunizations
No limits, up to $30 per family, no one refused
Substance Abuse Screening & Referral
No limits, Free

Everything You Need To Know On Any Women's Health Topic: HOTLINE (top)
This hotline sends out free publications and makes referrals to other organizations and groups on women related health topics. Contact National Women's Health Information Center, Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave., SW, Room 730B, Washington, DC 20201; 800-944-WOMAN; {www.4women.gov}.

Grants and Fundraising Help For Transplant Patients (top)
Organizations like The National Foundation for Transplants and National Transplant Assistance Fund assist patients, their families, and friends in raising significant amounts of money for the patient's transplant care when there is no public or private insurance that will cover all the costs. They also provide grants to help pay for medications required after a transplant, or money for transplant-related emergencies, and one-time assistance grants of $1,000. Other transplant related non-profits, like the Liver Foundation's Liver Transplant Fund, provide services and help for patients and families to raise money for an organ transplant.
* National Foundation for Transplants, 1102 Brookfield, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119; 800-489-3836, 901-684-1697, Fax: 910-684-1128; {www.transplants.org}.
* National Transplant Assistance Fund, 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230, Newton Square, PA 19073; 800-642-8399; Fax: 610-353-1616; {www. transplantfund.org}.
* American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038; 800-GO LIVER; {www.liverfoundation.org}.

Working People With Disabilities Can Get Cheap Health Insurance (top)
A change to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 passed by Congress allows states to offer Medicaid to individuals who are working and who have a disability. Prior to this, states could only offer Medicaid to people with disabilities who were NOT working. The income limits goes up to $40,000 and the state can charge premiums on an income-related sliding scale. Contact your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book to identify your Medicaid office. You can contact the local office of your congressman or senator for more information on the law. You can also check out the website of the Bazelon Center at {www.bazelon.org}.

Free Audio Tapes Describe Medicare Benefits To Disabled (top)
If you have use of a high speed cassette player (talking book reader), you can learn about Medicare benefits with free audio copies of:
1) Medicare Home Health
2) Medicare and Medicaid Guide To Choosing a Nursing Home
3) Medicare Hospice Benefits
4) Medicare Managed Care
5) Medicare Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries
6) Medicare & Other Health Benefits: Who Pays First?
Contact your local Medicare office, order from 800-633-4227, or order online at {www.medicare.gov}.

$5 For Sexually Transmitted Diseases Tests (top)
If you are worried that you may have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or even HIV, you can get tested and even treated for free or for very low cost at one of your local public health clinics, or other public and private clinics around the country. Contact your county office of health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If you need more help in identifying local help or need further information about HIV or an STD, contact one of the following, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Center For Disease Control:
* STD Hotline 1-800-227-8922; {www.cdcnpin.org/}
* National AIDS Hotline 1-800-342-AIDS; {www.cdcnpin.org/}.
* National Herpes Hotline 1-919-361-8488; {www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/dstdp/html}
These hotlines can answer questions over the phone, send out educational literature about a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods, and provide referrals to free and low cost clinics nationwide.

Free Transportation To Medical Appointments For Your Mom (top)
Mom has to get to a doctor's visit in the middle of the day and you can't take her. Or you have a disability that may cause you to miss an appointment if someone else doesn't drive. You may be able to get free transportation and escort services provided by either your local health office or local office on aging. Some communities even provide very low cost door-to-door services for seniors to go anywhere. If you can't find your local area agency on aging or public health office in your telephone book, contact your state Department of Aging or Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator Hotline at 1-800-677-1116. They are available to help anyone identify services for seniors.

Free Health Insurance Counseling (top)
Free one-on-one counseling is available to seniors and, in most areas, people with disabilities, to answer questions like:
* How much insurance is too much?
* If something sounds like fraud, where can I go for help?
* What's the best Medigap insurance plan?
* Do I qualify for government health benefits?
* Should I buy long-term care insurance?
The program is called Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and is sponsored by the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration. In most states, it is usually run by the state Department on Aging or the State Insurance Commissioner's office. The office for each state is listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116. They can give you the local number.

Free Take Out Taxi For Seniors (top)
People 60 and over who are homebound because of illness, incapacity, or disability, or who are otherwise isolated can receive hot meals delivered to their home. The program is funded in every state by the Older Americans Act. Contact your local area agency on aging or your state Department on Aging listed in the blue ages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116. They are available to help anyone identify services for seniors.

Low Cost Home Health Care (top)
Montgomery County in Maryland provides home health care free or on a sliding scale, depending on income, through the local public health office. You don't have to be a senior to qualify. A survey by the Center for Disease Control reports that about half of all local public health agencies provide similar services. To see what is available in your area, contact your county office of health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If you cannot get satisfaction from these offices, contact your local office of your state or federal elected official. For similar services for seniors, contact your local area agency on aging or your state Department on Aging listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116. They are available to help anyone identify services for seniors.

Free Video Describes What Medicare Covers For In-Home Health Care (top)
Get a free VHS copy of Home Health Care from your local Medicare office or from 800-633-4227 or order on-line at {www.medicare.gov}.

Easter Seals in Arizona Offers Free Computers to People With Disabilities (top)
Washington State chapter has a free loan program, and the chapters in Missouri offer computer classes. Contact you local Easter Seals Society to see what they may offer in the way of computers and computer skills for people with disabilities. If you can't find your local office, contact: Easter Seals, 230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606; 800-221-6825; 312-726-6200; fax: 312-726-1494; {www.seals.com}.

Free & Low Cost Dental Care for Kids, Seniors, and Certain Incomes (top)
Many of the local health offices provide dental services to children and to income-eligible adults on a sliding fee scale. Contact your county office of health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book. Many states have special free or discount services just for seniors. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your state Department on Aging listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator Hotline at 1-800-677-1116.

Do You Need A Break As A Caregiver? (top)
If you're the only caregiver for a sick child or relative and get frustrated because you cannot leave the patient alone, you can get someone to take over for a few hours or a few days while you get rest or run errands. The service is called Respite Care and depending on your income you can get this care for free or low cost through a number of different agencies:
* Your local public health services: Contact your county office of health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health listed in the blue pages of your phone book
* Your local office on aging: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your state Department on Aging listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116
* Easter Seals office or Easter Seals, 230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606; 800-221-6825; 312-726-6200; Fax: 312-726-1494; {www.seals.com}. This organization charges on ability to pay, but no person is refused service
* Respite Locator Service: National Resource Center or Respite & Crisis Care, 800 Eastowne Drive, Suite 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 800-7 RELIEF; {www.chtop.com/locator.htm}.

Discounts On Bicycle Helmets (top)
The Department of Health in Mesa County Colorado offers discounts on bicycle helmets for children in the county. Check with your local office of health to see if there are any programs like this in your area. If not, you can start one with a free Toolkit for Organizers of Bicycle Helmet Programs from Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, 4611 Seventh Street South, Arlington, VA 22204; 703-486-0100; Fax 703-486-0576; {www.helmets.org}. This organization will also send you a free copy of A Consumer's Guide to Bicycle Helmets.

Infertility Help Line (top)
Resolve is a non-profit organization that provides information, support and advocacy on the issues surrounding infertility. Their help line will help non-members with physician referrals, insurance questions, local support groups, and some free publications. HELPLine hours are: Monday thru Friday 9am to noon, and 1pm to 4pm Eastern Standard Time and Tuesday evenings 4pm to 9pm. Contact Resolve, Inc., 1310 Broadway, Somerville, MA 92144; 617-623-1156; fax: 617-632-0252; HELPLine: 617-623-0744; {www.resolve.org}.

Join a Parkinson's Support Group - Or Start One! (top)
The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) has over 900 active support groups throughout the United States and Canada. If you are interested in starting a group or just want to find out about events in your area, contact: National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Ave, Miami, FL 33136; 305-547-6666; Fax 305-243-4403; 800-327-4545; 800-433-7022 (in FL); {E-mail: mailbox@npf.med.miami.edu}.

Choosing An Option (top)
Deciding to have a child or children is an important step in anyone's life. Choosing a method of birth control is another big decision. The Food and Drug Administration has several free publications dealing with specific types of birth control methods, along with a general overview of the different types of contraceptive methods. A good general overview publication is titled, Protecting Against Unintended Pregnancy: A Guide to Contraceptive Choices. For your copies, contact Office of Communications, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, HFI-40, Rockville, MD 20857; 888-463-6332 (toll-free); {www.fda.gov}.

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program (top)
Very Low-Calorie Diets, Weight Loss for Life.
Weight-Control Information Network, 1 Win Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-984-7378; 800-WIN-8098; {www.niddk.nih.gov}.

Work Out With Your Own Personal Trainer (top)
You don't need to spend a fortune having someone coming to your house to motivate you to exercise. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has several free publications to spark your new exercise program. Some titles include: Fitness Fundamentals, Exercise and Weight Control, and Walking for Exercise and Pleasure. Each of these titles provides technique guides, motivational tips, and more to get you up and moving. For these publications and more information contact The President's Challenge, 400 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405; 800-258-8146; {www.indiana.edu/~preschal}.

Hot Flash Hotline (top)
Menopause doesn't have to be the hormonal hurricane women faced in the past. Taking estrogen and progesterone can help relieve the problems of menopause, although they may not be without problems of their own. A free booklet entitled Menopause can answer many of your questions and outlines different forms of treatment. Contact: Information Center, National Institute on Aging, P.O. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-222-2225; {www.nih.gov/nia}.

Bladder Problems (top)
Wetting the bed affects many young people, although it usually disappears over time. No matter when it happens or how often it happens, incontinence causes great distress. That's why it is important to understand that occasional incontinence is a normal part of growing up and that treatment is available for most children who have difficulty controlling their bladders. Urinary Incontinence in Children is a free publication that looks at the causes of daytime and nighttime incontinence and describes treatments available and additional resources. For your copy, contact National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 3 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-654-4415; {www.niddk.nih.gov}.

Dyslexia (top)
Has the school talked with you about some problems your child is having? Do they suspect a learning disability? Facts About Dyslexia is a free publication that describes what dyslexia is, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do to help your child. For your free copy, contact National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, 31 Center Dr., Room 2A32, MSC 2425, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-5133; {www.nichd.nih.gov/}.

Ear Infections (top)
There is not too much you can do at two in the morning when your child is crying because of an ear infection. You try to make the child as comfortable as possible and wait for the doctor's office to open. Ear infections are a common problem for children, but one they usually outgrow by the time they are six. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has an Ear Infection Packet they can send to parents, explaining how these infections occur and current treatment options. For more information, contact National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 37777, Washington, DC 20013; 800-241-1044; {www.nichd.nih.gov/}.

Plain Talk (top)
Plain Talk About Stress, Plain Talk About Adolescence, Plain Talk About Dealing with the Angry Child. For the above free publications, contact Public Inquiries, National Institute of Mental Health, Room 7C-02, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857; 301-443-4513; {www.nimh.nih.gov}.

Attention Deficit Disorder (top)
It seems as though there has been an increase in the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. Are we becoming more aware of this disorder or are we over-diagnosing it? The National Institute of Mental Health funds research on a variety of learning disabilities and has published several helpful brochures and information packets on attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities in general. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder describes symptoms, co-existing conditions, and possible causes, as well as treatment and education options. Learning Disabilities describes treatment options, strategies for coping, and sources of information and support. For more information, contact National Institute of Mental Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C-02, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-443-4513; {www.nimh.nih.gov}

Diabetes During Pregnancy (top)
Approximately 3-5 percent of all pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes while pregnant. Gestational diabetes disappears after delivery, but careful control of blood sugar levels is necessary in order to manage and prevent complications. Understanding Gestational Diabetes: A Practical Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy answers questions about diet, exercise, measurement of blood sugar levels, and general medical and obstetric care for women with gestational diabetes. Questions addressed include: Will gestational diabetes hurt your baby? How will it affect labor and delivery? What foods help keep blood sugar levels normal? And how much weight should you gain? For your free booklet, contact National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 2A32, 9000 Rockville, Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-5133; {www.nichd.nih.gov/}.

Dear Diary (top)
Following your development - and that of your baby - can be fun with this free booklet entitled, Health Diary: Myself, My Baby. Divided into two sections, the "Myself" section provides several pages for documenting your own health history, prenatal care, diet, weight gain and special memories of your pregnancy. Chock-full of information about labor and delivery, there's even a pull-out chart illustrating your baby's week-by-week development from birth to 24 months. You'll find spaces for snapshots of your newborn, information about caring and feeding, and a schedule for taking your baby to the doctor. There's also a section on treating minor problems, as well as spaces to record illnesses and notes following each doctor's visit. Contact National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182; 888-434-4MCH, 703-356-1964; {www.nmchc.org}.

E-Mail A Friend Healthy Heart Greetings! (top)
Create very special e-cards for those you love. Choose from lots of great images, heartwarming sayings and heart-healthy hints provided by the American Heart Association. And you can add your own personal message. You can send your free Heart to Heart e-card immediately, or schedule it to be sent any time during the ensuing twelve months. To create and send a free e-card, surf to: {www.americanheart.org/ecard/index.html}.

Help Is Just A Phone Call Away (top)
No child, no matter if his parents are rich or poor, should be denied a healthy start to life. Under Title V of the Social Security Act, all families with young children and expecting mothers whose incomes fall near the federal poverty guidelines receive Medicaid. Poverty thresholds for 1997 were $7,890 for one person, $10,610 for two, $13,330 for three, and $16,050 for a family of four. In addition, many prenatal and infant care services are often available to these low income families. These services include:
* Prenatal care clinics
* Home visiting services
* Translation services and other culturally focused services
* Parenting classes
* Programs for smoking cessation
* Male support programs
* Substance abuse treatment programs
* Help obtaining assistance such as Medicaid, food stamps, and WIC (supplemental food program for Women, Infants, and Children). Begun in 1997, a new toll-free hotline funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will link callers from anywhere in the United States to prenatal and infant health services located nearest them. Call 800-311-BABY (2229). For Spanish speaking people, call 800-504-7081.

Hospice Care (top)
Sometimes, there is nothing to be done for a terminally ill patient other than to keep him or her comfortable. Hospice can help your loved one live their remaining days fully and comfortably. To find a hospice provider near you, contact your doctor or local hospital for a referral. The National Hospice Organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to hospice care and can connect you to over 2,400 hospices across the United States. You may contact the National Hospice Organization, 1901 North Moore St., Suite 901, Arlington, VA 22209; 703-243-5900; {www.nho.org}.

Your Rights In The Health Care Industry (top)
In 1998 the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry released their report showing consumers what they should demand when dealing with the health care industry. For a free copy of the report contact: Consumer Bill of Rights, Box 2429, Columbia, MD 21045; 800-732-8200; {www.hcqualitycommission.gov}.

Emergency Rooms Have To Take You (top)
If you walk into an emergency room, do they have to treat you? Emergency rooms are now required to provide an initial screening to assess a patient's condition, which is designed to stop the automatic transfer of people unable to pay. Emergency rooms must also treat emergency situations until they are stabilized, then they can refer you to other hospitals or clinics for further treatment. If your health plan offers coverage for emergency services, your insurance must cover legitimate emergency department visits. You will not be required to obtain prior authorization for emergency services. Health plans are required to cover and pay for emergency care based upon the patient's presenting symptoms, rather than the final diagnosis. If you feel you have been denied service, contact Health Care Financing Administration, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244; 410-786-3000;{www.hcfa.gov}.

Do You Smoke? (top)
You Can Quit Smoking Consumer Guide is a free publication that tells you how you can improve your chances of quitting and overcoming your addiction to nicotine. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, 2101 E. Jefferson St., Suite 501, Rockville, MD 20852; 800-358-9295; {www.ahcpr.gov}.

Eye Care (top)
If you or someone you love needs eye care, but cannot afford it, the following organizations can help:
* For those 65 and older: National Eye Care Project, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), P.O Box 429098, San Francisco, CA 94142; 415-561-8500; 800-222-3937; {www.eyenet.org}.
* For low-income families and children, applications are accepted on a first come-first serve basis in January with treatment following later in the year: VISION USA, American Optometric Association, 243 North Linbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141; 314-991-4100; 800-766-4466; {www.aoanet.org}.
* Lions Clubs International, 300 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523; 630-571-5466; {www.lionsclubs.org}.
* Glaucoma 2001, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), P.O Box 429098, San Francisco, CA 94142; 415-561-8500; 800-391-EYES; {www.eyenet.org}.

Are You Eligible? (top)
Health insurance can be quite confusing. What exactly do you qualify for? Medicare is a health insurance program, generally for people age 65 or older who are receiving Social Security retirement benefits. You can also receive Medicare if you are under 65 and receive Social Security or Railroad Board disability benefits for 24 months, or if you are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient. Medicaid is a federal program administered by each state, so eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. The program is administered by a state welfare agency, and it provides health insurance to people with low income and limited assets. To determine your eligibility, contact your state Office of Social Services listed in the blue pages of your phone book. For Medicare eligibility, contact Medicare Hotline, Health Care Financing Administration, 6325 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21207; 800-638-6833; {www.medicare.gov}.

Get Money While You're Waiting For Government Money (top)
General Public Assistance or just Public Assistance (it is known by many different names) is a welfare program offered in 42 states. This is a program of last resort for people either waiting to qualify for other government programs such as disability benefits, or who do not qualify for any programs, yet need money to live. The program eligibility and benefit levels vary within and across state lines. In some states, this benefit is only available in certain areas. There are strict income and asset levels that you must meet to qualify. In Kansas, General Assistance pays families $278 per month while they are waiting for other government money. In California, the benefit is $225. Contact your local welfare office, your state Department of Social Service, or your state Temporary Assistance to Needy Families office listed in the blue pages of your phone book to see what your state offers and the eligibility requirements.