LEARNING ABOUT THE PROBLEM
When facing a live-threatening illness, or being a caretaker for some who is facing such an illness, a first step should always be to find information on the problem. Most the associations which deal with life-threatening illnesses have websites with valuable resources. Many also have local offices that can be of help.
There are also many comprehensive medical and health sites on the Internet which may prove helpful. Both sources are listed below.
LOCAL CONTACTS [top]
Alzheimer's
Association - 417-886-2199
1500 S. Glenstone
Ave.
Springfield
MO, 65804
American
Cancer Society - 417-889-8614
3322 S. Campbell Ave., Suite R
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 881-7955
Web - www.cancer.org
Offers information on cancer research, cancer support groups and patient services.
American
Diabetes Association - 417-890-8400
1944A E. Sunshine St.,
Springfield, MO 65804
FAX - 890-8484
Email - pacompton@diabetes.org
Web - www.diabetes.org
Provides educational material and non-medical counseling for diabetics and
their families; raises funds for research and sponsored programs.
American
Heart Association - 881-1121
2446 E Madrid,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 881-8972
Web - www.americanheart.org
Works to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Raises funds for research, community programs and education.
American
Lung Association of Western Missouri - 417-883-7177
2053-D S Waverly,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 883-7026
Email - alawmojo@cland.net
Web - www.lungusa.org
An informational and educational agency dedicated to the research, treatment
and prevention of lung disease.
American
Stroke Association - 417-881-1121
Arthritis
Foundation - 417-864-8901
2520 W. College St.,
Springfield, MO 65802
Association
for the Blind - 417-869-1572
1600 N. Washington
Springfield, MO
Breast
Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks - 417-862-3838
330 N. Jefferson Ave.,
Springfield, MO 65806
Cancer
Information Center - 417-885-2273
1235 E. Cherokee St.,
Springfield, MO 65804
Community
Alliance for Compassionate Care - 873-7231
at the End of Life
PO Box 5067,
Springfield, MO 65801-5067
Fax - 873-7435
Email - pbrownin@lib.drury.edu
Web - www.missouriendoflife.org
Professional and community education on end-of- life issues.
Community
Hospices of America, - 882-0453
Southwest Missouri, Inc
1465 E Primrose, Suite A,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 882-1245
Offers special physical, psychological, social and spiritual assistance for
terminally ill patients and their families.
Cox
Senior Health Center - 417-269-3915
1423 N. Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO
Epilepsy
Foundation - 1-800-264-6970
7100 Oakland
St. Louis MO 63117
Email - epilepsy@stl-epil.org
Educates and promotes an understanding of epilepsy.
Muscular
Dystrophy Association - 866-5117
425 S Union,
Springfield, MO 65802
Fax - 866-5708
Email - springfieldmoservices@mdausa.org
Web - www.mdausa.org/home.html
Provides comprehensive diagnostic examinations via free clinic, counseling,
orthopedic aids, physical and occupational therapy and a summer camp.
National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ozark Branch - 882-8128
1675 E Seminole, Suite 1,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 882-2039
Emai - debra@nmsskc.org
Web - www.nmsskc.org
Services and programs for people with multiple sclerosis and their families.
Ozarks
Lupus Chapter - 887-1560
1238 S Belcrest,
Springfield, MO 65804-0527
Provides support and information for victims of lupus and their families.
Parkinson's
Group of the Ozarks - 885-9595
PO Box 50595,
Springfield, MO 65805
Fax - 269-9966
Email - revmd@aol.com
Web - www.coxhealth.com
Educates, supports research and improves the quality of life for persons affected
by Parkinson's disease.
Service
Coordinator for Adult Traumatic - 877-1428
Head Injury
2604 W Republic,
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 823-7914
Email - frankjill@cland.net
Provides information, education and resources to adults with head injuries.
Springfield
Association for the Blind - 869-1572
1600 N Washington,
Springfield, MO 65803
Fax - 869-9205
Provides a complete library and social and educational resources for the visually
impaired.
NATIONAL CONTACTS [top]
Adult Congenital Heart Association (www.achaheart.org) - Information about the organization for adults with congenital heart defects, their families and medical professionals. List of support groups plus email to find one in your area.
ALS March of Faces (march-of-faces.org) - Dedicated to raising public awareness of ALS and advocating on issues that will benefit PALS (People with ALS) and their families, through self-empowerment resources.
National Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) - Provides information about Alzheimer's disease, resources, research advances, publications, and events; includes contact information and links to local AA chapters all over the United States.
Alzheimers Disease Research Center (mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/alzheimers_center/) - The Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center is one of 29 Alzheimer's disease research centers across the country designated and funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health.
American Cancer Association (www.cancer.org) - Provides information about cancer and the campaign to stamp it out.
American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) - Offers the latest information on diabetes and living with the disease. The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org) - Information and education about heart and stroke disease.
American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org) - Provides information on liver diseases, as well as advocacy for education, treatment and research funding.
American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org) - American Heart Association division established in 1998 to reduce the impact of stroke. The division's Web-based offerings include prevention and recovery fact sheets for consumers and treatment guidelines for professionals
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org)- The latest information about MS diagnosis, treatments, resources for living with MS, society-funded research efforts, library and educational programs.
United Cerebral Palsy (www.ucp.org) - General information about Cerebral Palsy and how it affects people.
SUPPORT GROUPS [top]
Adult
Children of Aging Parents - 883-7500
3660 S National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
FAX- 881-3614
A support group for caregivers of aging family members.
Adult
Diabetes Support Group - 269-3900
1423 N Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
FAX - 269-8260
Web - www.coxhealth.com
A support group for adults with diabetes.
ALS
Support Group- 886-5003
1447-F S Enterprise Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
FAX - 886-5058
Email - springfield@alsa-midwest.org
Web - www.alsa-midwest.org
Assists and supports individuals and their families affected by ALS (Lou Gehrig's
disease.)
Alzheimer's
Association, Southwest Missouri - 886-2199
Chapter Glen Isle Center
1500 S Glenstone Ave.
Springfield MO 65804
Fax - 886-0337
Email - patsy.harris@alz.org
Web - www.alz-swmo.org
Supports research into cause, treatment, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's
disease and related dementias. Offers patient and family services, support
groups, education and public awareness.
Alzheimer's
Support Group - 889-7600
1302 W Sunset St.
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 889-7445
Email - vberkstresser@blcmail.com
Web - www.bethesdalivingcenters.org
Provides education and support for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease
and related dementias.
Arthritis
Support Group - 881-8845
2324 S Hampton Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Educational and support group for individuals with arthritis.
Before
and After - 732-7688 or 887-7981
615 S Main Ave.
Republic MO 65738
A support group for those who have had or will receive organ transplants and
their families.
Brain
Cancer Support Group - 885-3324
1235 E Cherokee St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 885-2587
Provides education and support to patients with brain cancer or cancer that
has progressed to the brain. Family members are welcome.
Breast
Cancer Network - 885-2565
1235 E Cherokee St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 888-8155
Email - srh11138@sprg.smhs.com
Web: www.stjohns.com
A support group for breast cancer survivors.
Cardiac
Discussion Group - 269-5506
3800 S National Ave., Suite 300,
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax: 269-2099
A support group for adult cardiac patients and their families.
Caring
Hearts Support Group - 269-6350
3801 S National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 269-6353
A family support group for pediatric and adolescent heart patients.
Cancer
Care Teleconferences - 885-3324
1235 E Cherokee St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 885-2587
Provides weekly educational teleconferences for those diagnosed with cancer
as well as their family members and friends.
Circle
of Friends - 888-7550
1378 E Republic Rd.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 888-7426
Support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
Compassionate
Friends, Greater Ozarks Chapter - 887-7089
2946 S Quail Court
Springfield,
MO65807
Web - www.compassionatefriends.org
A support group for parents, siblings, and grandparents who have experienced
the death of a child.
Cox
Health Systems - 269-3511
Alzheimer's Support Group
1423 N Jefferson Ave., C-200,
Springfield, MO 65802
Fax - 269-3741
Assists families coping with family members experiencing dementia and Alzheimer's-related
problems.
Cox
Diabetes Center - 269-3900
1423 N Jefferson Ave.
Springfield MO 65802
Fax - 269-8260
Email - DiabetesCenter@coxhealth.com
Web - www.coxhealth.com
Provides education and self-management training to those with diabetes and
their families.
Family
and Friends of People With MS - 882-8128
1675 E Seminole St., Suite I,
Springfield, MO 65804
Provides support for family members and friends of people with multiple sclerosis.
Heart
Shockers - 875-3297
1001 E Primrose St.
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 875-3409
A support group for individuals and families of patients with implantable
cardioverter defibrillators.
Make
Today Count - 885-3324
1235 E Cherokee St.
Springfield, MO 65804-2263
Fax - 888-8761
Email - info@stjohns.com
Web - www.stjohns.com
Helps those living with cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses.
Missouri
Brain Injury Association, - 865-4295
Springfield Chapter
525 S Campbell Ave., Apt. 412,
Springfield, MO 65806
Fax - 895-5725
A support group that assists individuals and their families in dealing with
brain injuries.
Multiple
Sclerosis Support Groups - 882-8128
1675 E Seminole St., Suite I,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 882-2039
Web - www.msmidamerica.org
Several educational and emotional support groups for those with MS and their
family members, including People with MS, Women Only, Family and Friends,
Friday Group, Bolivar, Tri-Lakes Area and Joplin.
New
Hope Share Group - 269-7912 or 725-7864
4854 S Wellington Ave.
Springfield, MO 65810
Fax - 269-7995
Email - sbarefo@msn.com
Focuses on the needs of women currently in cancer treatment and coping with
recovery, reocccurrence issues and survivorship.
Panic
and Anxiety Disorder Support Group - 864-7119
1701 S Campbell Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 864-5011
Email - nami@namiswmo.com
Web - www.namiswmo.com
Provides information, support and coping skills for those with panic and anxiety
disorders.
People
With MS - 882-8128
1675 E Seminole St., Suite I,
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 882-2039
Web - www.msmidamerica.org
Support groups for those with multiple sclerosis and their family members.
Prostate
Cancer Support Group - 885-3324
2055 S Fremont Ave., Room 116,
Springfield, MO 65804
Web - www.stjohns.com
Educational and supportive group for those diagnosed with prostate cancer
and their families.
Reach
Together - 269-6170
3850 S National Ave., Suite 300,
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 269-5164
Email - Deanna.Gunnett@coxhealth.com
A support group for those who have breast cancer, their family and friends.
Safe
Return - 886 -2199
1500 S Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 886-0337
Web - www.alz-swmo.org
Helps identify, locate and return individuals who are memory-impaired due
to Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.
SIDS
Resources, Inc. - 866-8471
305 E Walnut St., Suite 214,
Springfield, MO 65806
Fax - 866-8473
Email - dcontiowens@sidsresources.org
Web - www.sidsresources.org
Public information, support, education and counseling for families who have
lost an infant suddenly and unexpectedly.
Southwest
Missouri Brain Injury Association - 865-4295
Support Group
525 S Campbell Ave., Apt. 412,
Springfield, MO 65806
Fax - 466-2154
Web - www.biausa.org
Provides information, education, support and socialization for brain injury
survivors and their families.
Southwest
Missouri Regional Arthritis Center - 885-3665
1235 E Cherokee St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax - 888-7780
Web - www.muhealth.org/~arthritis/swrac
Provides information and support and exercise programs to those who have arthritis.
St.
John's Mid-America Cancer Center - 885-2525
2055 S Fremont Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Fax -888-8761
Web - www.stjohns.com
Offers treatment, education and support to cancer patients.
Suicide
Survivors Support Group - 865-5943
1318 N Concord Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Supports family and friends of those who have experienced a death by suicide.
United
Ostomy Association, - 881-4668or 881-6853
Chapter 271
3322 S Campbell Ave., Suite R,
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 881-7955
Web - www.uos.org
Supports ostomates and their caregivers.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES [top]
Local
Missouri
Division of Senior Services - 895-6433
149 Park Central Square, Suite 244,
Springfield, MO 65806
Fax - 895-6430
Web - www.dss.state.mo.us/da
Provides social services to elderly and disabled adults through a variety
of in-home support services and direct and protective services.
Social
Security Administration - 866-7210
806 N Jefferson Ave.
PO Box 2570,
Springfield, MO 65801-2570
Fax - 866-6571
Email - mo.fo.springfield@ssa.gov
Web - www.ssa.gov
Issues cards, assists in filing claims and maintains all records on Social
Security.
Southwest
Missouri Office on Aging - 862-0762
1735 S Fort Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Fax - 865-2683
Email - swmoa@swmoa.com
Web - www.swmoa.com
Serves the older population by coordinating and funding programs that enhance
their quality of life.
National
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (www.nih.gov) - One of the world's foremost medical research centers, the Federal focal point for health research and the steward of biomedical and behavioral research for the Nation
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (www.nimh.nih.gov) - Provides information for the public and practitioners in the field of mental health.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) (www.nhlbi.nih.gov) - Information for professionals and the general public about heart and vascular diseases, lung diseases, blood diseases and resources, and sleep disorders.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (www.niddk.nih.gov) - Conducts and supports research on kidney, urologic, hematologic, digestive, metabolic and endocrine diseases, as well as on diabetes and nutrition.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (www.ninds.nih.gov) - Research and clinical information on disorders of the brain and nervous system.
National Institute on Aging - NIA (www.nia.nih.gov) - Promotes healthy aging by conducting and supporting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and public education. Topics addressed include: menopause, exercise, alzheimers, and cardiovascular diseases.
MEDICAL SITES ON THE WEB [top]
HealthWeb (www.healthweb.org) - Links to evaluated information resources selected by librarians and information professionals at academic medical centers in the US Midwest. Selection emphasizes quality information aimed at assisting health care professionals as well as consumers in meeting their health information needs.
InteliHealth (www.intelihealth.com) - Aetna InteliHealth's mission is to empower people with trusted solutions for healthier lives. It accomplishs this by providing credible information from the most trusted sources, including Harvard Medical School and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
MEDLINEplus: Interactive Health Tutorials (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/) - Online tutorials are interactive health education resources from the Patient Education Institute. Using animated graphics each tutorial explains a procedure or condition in easy-to-read language. You can also listen to the tutorial.
WebMD (www.webmd.com) - Comprehensive health resources for consumers, physicians, nurses, and educators. Includes news, chat forums, health quizzes and consumer product updates.
Medscape Health (www.medscape.com) - Medscape Health provides free health information on hundreds of topics. Produced by Medscape, it is a companion site to Medscape.com, the most widely used Web site for doctors and healthcare professionals.
MedTerms.com (www.medterms.com) - Easy to understand explanation of medical terms.
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To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.
- Henry David Thoreau
