Local Resources

• Local health department — this is a good place to start. Generally, the local health department can either provide health information and/or screenings. If they can't conduct the screenings, they may be able to provide the names of organizations that can. Health departments usually deal with several issues including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, STDs, lead poisoning, car seats, health promotion (chronic diseases and prevention), environmental health, nutrition and many other areas.
• American Heart Association — check with your local chapter for information concerning signs of a heart attack, heart disease, stroke and a variety of other topics.
• American Cancer Association — check with your local chapter for information about the different types of cancers, prevention and screenings.
• American Diabetes Association — your local chapter usually can provide information on diabetes, may provide education classes on living with diabetes, nutrition, information on medication and how to check your blood glucose levels.
• Local hospital — usually can provide trained staff to conduct screenings, provide information on many health topics, provide speakers and giveaways.

National Sources of Information

Administration on Aging
Government agency that assists in building community systems and assessing needs of the elderly.
200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 309F
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 401-4541
www.aoa.dhhs.gov

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Government agency that provides education on alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health.
Office of Communications
Parklawn Building, Room 13C05
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-8956
www.samhsa.gov

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Assn.
Association that offers referrals to local chapters and support groups, provides publications.
919 North Michigan, Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 272-3900
www.alz.org

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center
Center sponsored by the National Institute on Aging; provides information and publications on Alzheimer's disease to health care professionals, patients and their families, and the general public.
P. O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
(301) 495-3311 or (800) 438-4380
www.alzheimers.org

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
National organization that advocates for rights of older adults; maintains a strong network of local chapters; provides numerous educational materials, publications, and program support.
601 E. Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20049
(202) 434-2277
www.aarp.org

American Health Foundation
Non-profit research organization for disease prevention and health promotion. Offers school health promotion program called "Know Your Body," designed to help students develop skills for making positive health choices.
320 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
(212) 953-1900
www.ahf.org

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Voluntary organization that provides general information, publications and videos; sponsors support groups, research grants, and professional education and patient advocacy.
1233 Twentieth Street, NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 466-7643 or (800) 7-ASTHMA
www.aafa.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Government agency that provides information on a vast number of health topics, including violent/abusive behavior, environmental health, unintentional injuries, occupational safety, and other topics.
Public Inquiries, Mgmt Analysis & Service Office
1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mail Stop E-72
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3534 or (800) 311-3435
www.cdc.gov

Environmental Protection Agency Public Information Center
Government office that provides non-technical information about environmental health issues and EPA. Information is available on drinking water, air quality, pesticides, radon, indoor air, Superfund, recycling, and many other environmental topics.
401 M Street, SW, #3404
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 260-2080
www.epa.gov

Food and Drug Administration
Government agency that disseminates information regarding nutrition and food and drug safety.
Consumer Inquiries
5600 Fishers Lane (HFE-88)
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-3170 or (301) 827-4420
www.fda.gov

Food and Nutrition Information Center
Library maintained by the Department of Agriculture that provides information on nutrition, food services, and food technology. Will do literature searches and provide information on grants for rural areas.
Rural Information Center
National Agriculture Library
10301 Baltimore Blvd., Rm 304
Beltsville, MD 20705
(301) 504-5719 or (800) 633-7701
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic

Head Start Bureau, DHHS
Government program that provides information on Comprehensive Child Development Centers and other Head Start Programs.
P. O. Box 1182
Washington, D.C. 20013
www2.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb

Health Promotion Resource Center
Center that disseminates materials and information on health topics with special emphasis on low-income urban and rural minority populations; offers technical assistance to low-income communities in establishing health promotion activities.
Morehouse School of Medicine
720 Westview Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 752-1622

Health Promotion Resource Center
Distributes community-based print, video materials for lay public and professionals involved in health promotion process, stress management, youth activities, injury prevention, and other topics noted. Also offers health risk appraisals and Spanish language materials.
Stanford Ctr. for Research in Disease Prevention
1000 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1885
(415) 723-0003; FAX (415) 498-7775
prevention.stanford.edu

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
Informal association of organizations with an interest in child and maternal health; fosters efforts to educate pregnant women; provides general information to health professionals and the general public.
409 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20024-2188
(202) 863-2458; FAX (202) 554-4346
www.hmhb.org/index.html

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse
Specialists provide information, referrals, publications, and database searches on indoor air quality. Information includes pollutants and sources, health effects, control methods, commercial building operations and maintenance, standards and guidelines, and federal and state legislation.
P. O. Box 37133
Washington, D.C. 20013-7133
(800) 438-4318; FAX (202) 484-1510
email: iaqinfo@aol.com
www.epa.gov/iaq

CDC National Prevention Information Network
Formerly known as CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC National Prevention Information Network provides timely, accurate, and relevant information on HIV/AIDS to people working in prevention, health care, research, and support services. If offers comprehensive reference and referral services.
P. O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
(800) 458-5231
www.cdcnpin.org

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NAMSIC)
NAMSIC is a service of the National Institutes of Health that provides printed information about arthritis, musculoskeletal and skin diseases to health professionals and the general public including patients' family and friends.
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
(301) 495-4484 or TDD (301) 565-2966
www.nih.gov/niams

National Asthma Education Program NHLBI Information Center
Program of NHLBI that works with intermediaries (such as medical associations, voluntary health organizations, and community programs) to educate patients, health professionals, and the public about asthma and related disorders.
P. O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
(301) 251-1222; FAX (301) 251-1223

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The Cancer Information Services (CIS) is a nationwide network of 19 regional field offices supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that provides accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health care professionals, and the general public. The CIS can provide specific information in English and Spanish about particular types of cancer, as well as information on how to obtain second opinions and the availability of clinical trails. Each CIS office has access to the NCI treatment database PDQ, which offers callers the most current state-of-the art treatment and clinical trial information.
31 Center Drive MSC 2580
Building 31, Room 10A16
Bethesda, MD 20892-2580
(800) 4-CANCER or (800) 422-6237
www.nci.nih.gov

National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health
Organization that provides general and technical assistance, develops professional educational and reference materials on issues relating to public policy and program development in maternal and child health.
2000 15th Street North, Suite 701
Arlington, VA 22201-2617
(703) 524-7802
www.ncemch.org/

National Center for Health Statistics
The Center is the federal government's principal vital and health statistics agency. Provides reference, inquiry, and referral services. Produces series of publications—some free of charge. Catalogs of electronic and printed products are available.
6525 Belcrest Road, Room 1064
Hyattsville, MD 20782
(301) 436-8500
www.cdc.gov/nchs

National Cholesterol Education Program
NHLBI program that has developed recommendations, guidelines, and educational materials related to cholesterol.
NHLBI Information Center
P. O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
(301) 251-1222; FAX (301) 251-1223
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
Organization that provides the latest information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in media formats, including printed material and videos; publishes the bi-monthly "Prevention Pipeline," resource guides and a quarterly catalog. Maintains the Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness (RADAR) network of resource centers in the U.S. and territories.
P. O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20847
(301) 468-2600 or (800) 729-6686
www.health.org

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Major national resource for the acquisition and dissemination of child abuse and neglect reference materials. The Clearinghouse seeks to meet the information needs of researchers, practitioners, and professionals working with children and families. There is a database of more than 22,000 child abuse and neglect and child welfare documents that is accessible both through the Clearinghouse Home Page and on a CD-ROM that is available free of charge to libraries, universities, and other qualified institutions. The Clearinghouse also distributes training resources, research studies, statistical reports, state statutes summaries, and annotated bibliographies. A free catalog of publications and services is available.
P. O. Box 1182
Washington, D.C. 20013-1182
(703) 385-7565 or (800) FYI-3366
www.calib.com/nccanch

National Clearinghouse for Primary Care Information
Clearinghouse that provides information to support the delivery of health care to areas that have shortages of medical personnel and services; materials include: governing boards, financial management, sexually transmitted diseases, lead poisoning, administrative management, and clinical care.
2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 821-8955, x248
www.bphc.hrsa.dhhs.gov

National Coalition for Adult Immunizations
The National Coalition for Adult Immunization, formed in 1988, is a network of organizations dedicated to promoting adult immunization, primarily through educational and motivational activities. The goal of NCAI is to raise immunization levels in high-risk and other adult target groups by increasing awareness of physicians, other healthcare providers, and the general public about the need for and the benefits of immunization.
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-5228
(301) 656-0003

National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse
National organization that publishes monographs, booklets, and pamphlets; provides research, training and technical assistance, and prevention programs.
332 S. Michigan, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 663-3520

National Council on Patient Information & Education
Council that provides information on programs, services, and materials that promote the safe use of medicines.
666 11th Street, NW, Suite 810
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 347-6711
www.talkaboutrx.org/

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is an information and referral service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, one of the National Institutes of Health. The NDIC maintains a database of patient and professional education materials, from which literature searches are generated.
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3560
(301) 654-3327
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
The National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is an information and referral service of the National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Disease, one of the National Institutes of Health. The Clearinghouse responds to written inquires, develops and distributes publications about digestive diseases, and provides referrals to digestive diseases organizations, including support groups. The NDDIC maintains a database of patient and professional education materials, from which literature searches are generated.
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
(301) 654-3810
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm

National Eye Education Program
Program of the National Eye Institute (NIH); implements eye health education programs for the public and health professionals, including national campaigns and health education materials.
2020 Vision Place
Bethesda, MD 20892-3655
(301) 496-5248 or (800) 869-2020
www.nei.nih.gov

National Fire Protection Association
Objective is to reduce the burden of fire on the quality of life by advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, and education for fire and related safety issues.
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 770-3000
www.nfpa.org

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Non-profit organization, the mission of which is to support research into the causes of and cures for infectious diseases; to aid in or foster the prevention of infectious diseases; and to encourage, sponsor, and conduct public and professional education programs. NFID also coordinates the National Coalition for Adult Immunization.
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 656-0003

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI/OPEC)
Organization that provides national leadership for national programs and research related to the cause, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and blood diseases; disseminates numerous educational materials for the public and health professionals.
31 Center Drive, MSC2480 Room 4A21
Bethesda, MD 20892-2480
(301) 496-4236
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National High Blood Pressure Education
Center that provides educational messages to the public concerning high blood pressure.
NHLBI Information Center
P. O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
(301) 251-1222; FAX (301) 251-1223
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation that publishes brochures, flyers, statistical reports, videotapes, and other information about safety belts, car seats, pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle safety, and drunk and impaired driving.
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 366-4000
www.nhtsa.dot.gov

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is an information clearinghouse that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues. Children and youth with disabilities (birth to age 22) are their special focus. Anyone may contact NICHCY for information.
P. O. Box 1492
Washington, D.C. 0013-1492
(202) 884-8200 or (800) 695-0285
www.nichcy.org

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders Information Clearinghouse
The NIDCD has established a national clearinghouse of information and resources on the normal and disordered mechanisms of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The NIDCD Information Clearinghouse collects information on these seven research areas and disseminates it to health professionals, patients, industry, and the public.
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892-3456
(800) 241-1044 or TDD/TT (800) 241-1055
www.nidcd.nih.gov

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting the public health. The Institute encompasses the broad spectrum of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, endocrine disorders, mineral metabolism, digestive diseases, nutrition, urology and renal disease, and hematology. Basic research studies include biochemistry; nutrition; pathology; histochemistry; chemistry; physical, chemical, and molecular biology; pharmacology; and toxicology.
31 Center Drive, Room 9A04
MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
(301) 496-3583
www.niddk.nih.gov

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Division of NIH that provides information on selected health topics, including environmental health and nutrition.
Division of Public Information
9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg. 31, Room 2B25
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-2535
www.nih.gov

National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a component of NIH responds to information requests from the lay public, clinicians, and the scientific community. Subjects include a basic behavioral research, neuroscience of mental health, rural mental health, children's mental disorders, schizophrenia, paranoia, depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, panic, obsessive compulsive, and other anxiety disorders. It distributes information and publications on Depression/Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment Program (D/ART) and on the Anxiety Disorders Education Program, NIMH-sponsored educational programs on depressive and anxiety disorders, their symptoms and treatments. A list of NIMH publications, including several in Spanish, is available upon request.
5600 Fishers Lane 7C02
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-4513
TDD (301) 443-8431
FAX (301) 443-0008
(301) 433-5158 On Demand System
PANIC DISORDER (800) 64-PANIC
DEPRESSION (800) 421-4211
(888) 8ANXIET
email: nimhpubs@nih.gov, nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov

National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
Organization that disseminates information on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders and stroke.
9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg. 31, Room 8A06
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5751
www.ninds.nih.gov

National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Organization that provides a number of services including health hazard evaluations of worksites, fatal accident investigation, extramural grants, databases, educational resources, and publications.
EID-IRB
4676 Columbia Parkway, Mail Stop C-19
Cincinnati, OH 45226
(800) 356-4674
www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) is an information and referral services of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, one of the National Institutes of Health. The clearinghouse responds to written inquires, develops and distributes publications about kidney and urologic diseases, and provides referrals to digestive disease organizations, including support groups. NKUDIC maintains a database of patient and professional education materials from which literature searches are generated.
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
(301) 654-4415
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/kidney/nkudic.htm

National Mental Health Association
The National Mental Health Association, through its national office and more than 330 affiliates nationwide, is dedicated to improving the mental health of all individuals and achieving victory over mental illnesses. NMHA accomplishes its mission as a force of social change through advocacy, prevention, public education, information, and referral.
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
(703) 684-7722
www.nmha.org

National Osteoporosis Foundation
Non-profit organization that provides direct support for research; sponsors a national annual campaign; provides resource materials on osteoporosis for health care professionals and the public.
1150 17th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 223-2226 or (800) 223-9994
www.nof.org

National Resource Center for Rural Elderly
The National Resource Center for Rural Elderly (NRCRE) is a nationwide focal point for programs and services for rural elders. The Center supports state units on aging, rural areas agencies on aging, and other institutions and individuals as they seek to improve the quality of life of older Americans. Through 20 publications and a newsletter, the Center links the best practical knowledge and direct experience with the latest research findings to provide practical expertise and consultation on rural programs.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1024; FAX (816) 235-5193
iml.umkc.edu/cas/nrc.htm

National Resource Center on Child SA
Organization that offers referrals for sexual assault treatment and a listing of professionals; provides assistance to communities; publishes a bi-monthly newsletter.
200 Westside Square, Suite
700 Huntsville, AL 35801-4816
(205) 534-6868 or (800) 543-7006

National Resource Center on Homeless and Mental Illness
Center that provides information and technical assistance concerning the needs of homeless, mentally ill persons.
262 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
(800) 444-7415
www.nrchmi.com

National Safe Kids Campaign
Program that provides information materials to help increase awareness of the problem of childhood injury; designs programs to be implemented in communities to create a safer environment for children.
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1000
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 662-0600
www.safekids.org

National Safety Council Customer Service Department
The mission of the National Safety Council is to educate and influence society to adopt safety, health, and environmental policies, practices, and procedures that prevent and mitigate human suffering and economic losses arising from preventable causes.
P. O. Box 558
Itasca, Illinois 60143-0558
(800) 621-7619

National Stroke Association
Non-profit organization that serves as an advocate for stroke prevention, rehabilitation, research, and survivor support; offers a wide selection of materials including videotapes, audiotapes, journals, brochures, and booklets for continuing education, staff training, and the public.
96 Inverness Drive East, Suite I
Englewood, CO 80112-5112
(303) 649-9299 or (800) STROKES
www.stroke.org

National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Clearinghouse
Clearinghouse that provides information and materials on SIDS, apnea, and other related issues.
2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 821-8955, x249
www.sidscenter.org

National Health Information Center
Government contract, funded by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Provides publications and resource guides for shipping and handling fees. Provides referrals to national organizations for health-related information.
P. O. Box 1133
Washington, D.C. 20013-1133
(800) 336-4797
www.health.gov/nhic

Office of Minority Health Resource Center
A national resource and referral service providing health-related information, resources, publications, and a database. Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; a bilingual staff is available to service Spanish speaking calls.
P. O. Box 37337
Washington, D.C. 20013-7337
(800) 444-6472
www.omhrc.gov

Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Organization that offers Presidential fitness awards and pamphlets on exercise, school physical education, corporate fitness, and other fitness topics.
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 250
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 272-3421

Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance
Private, voluntary organization to help families of SIDS babies; has a wide variety of information offered to the public; referrals for support groups and hospitals.
1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210
Baltimore, MD 21208
(800) 221-SIDS
www.sidsalliance.org

Wellness Councils of America
Organization that provides the publication Healthy People at the Worksite 2000: An Information Kit; supports community-based Wellness Councils, especially in worksite health promotion activities. Also produces a health newsletter for distribution to employees and health brochure.
Community Health Plaza
7101 Newport Avenue, Suite 311
Omaha, NE 68152-2175
www.welcoa.org