Resource Directory

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is intended as reference and resource material only. The Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program makes no representation nor implies endorsement of any product or service; nor does it accept any responsibility for any claims made by any resource listed in this publication.

Organizations and Support Groups

National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council
P.O. Box 1748
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: 503-632-9032
Fax: 503-632-9031
Internet address: http://www.hepcnetwork.org

The organizations listed below with an asterisk (*) are members of the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council. The National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council is an association of organizations that creates a unified voice, promotes ethical guidelines, and improves quality of services for people affected by hepatitis C. From this Internet address, you can reach all member sites.

AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC)
1048 El Camino Real, Suite B
Redwood City, CA 94063-1633
Phone: 650-364-6563
Fax: 650-364-9001
Internet address: http://www.acrc.org

ACRC's mission is to improve health and quality of life through compassionate programs that address prominent and emerging public health concerns.

AIDS Treatment Data Network (The Network)
611 Broadway, Suite 613
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-260-8868 or (800)734-7104, ext. 16 (toll free in New York)
Fax: 212-260-8869
Internet address: http://www.atdn.org

The Network is an independent, nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 1988. The Network provides local and national services to people with HIV and coinfected with HCV/HIV. The Access Project (TheAccessProject@aol.com) is the agency's national treatment advocacy and access program. We advocate for patients and assist providers in obtaining treatments for hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS related conditions. The Network provides free, intensive case management services to people who are HIV positive. Specialized case management and treatment adherence programs are available for people in New York who are coinfected with HIV and HCV. National treatment information and counseling can be obtained via e-mail at network@atdn.org or by telephone.

American Liver Foundation *
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603
New York, NY 10038-4810
Phone: 212-668-1000 or 800-676-9340
Fax: 212-483-8179
Internet address: http://www.liverfoundation.org

The American Liver Foundation is a national, voluntary, nonprofit health agency dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing hepatitis and all liver diseases.

The Ark Hepatitis C Support Group
719 Bakeway Court
Indianapolis, IN 46231
Phone: 317-838-0002

The Ark is a hepatitis support group facilitated by people infected with the hepatitis C virus. The group seeks to help HCV patients gain a positive outlook through education and emotional support.

Connections
P.O. Box 4142
Bozeman, MT 59772-4142
Phone: 406-388-1262
E-mail: caseyconnections@msn.com

Connections' mission is to support and encourage positive life changes in all participants of their programs. Their goal is to lower the recidivism rate in Montana, and create healthier and safer communities in which to live. They believe in the power of knowledge and education, as well as supporting each other through life's journey. Their support groups are open to people living with hepatitis C, their families, and interested members of the general public.

HCV Prison Support Project
PO Box 41803
Eugene, OR 97404
Phone: (541) 607-5725, 866-HEPINFO (437-4636)
The toll free number is for released prisoners needing information about hepatitis C resources and support.
Internet address: http://www.hcvinprison.org

The HCV Prison Support Project was founded by the Hepatitis C Awareness Project. Their mission is to provide education and support to prisoners infected with hepatitis C or coinfected with HIV/HCV. To accomplish this mission, they offer seminars, workshops, and support groups both inside and outside of correctional facilities. Hepatitis C information packets are distributed to any interested party. This group advocates for better, more humane treatment of incarcerated persons living with hepatitis C.

Hep C Advocate Network (HepCAN) *
P.O. Box 3003
Longview, TX 75606
Phone: 903-291-9700
Internet address: http://www.hepcan.org

HepCAN is devoted to legislative changes for more testing and treatment of HCV infected individuals on the state and national level. They also work to increase professional education about hepatitis C.

Hep-C Alert *
660 Northeast 125th Street
North Miami, FL 33161
Phone: 877-HELP-4-HEP
Fax: 305-893-7998
Internet address: http://www.hep-c-alert.org

Hep C Alert is an educational nonprofit organization working to raise public awareness and assist people affected by hepatitis C.

Hep C Connection *
1177 Grant Street, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-860-0800 or 800-522-4372
Fax: 303-860-7481
Internet address: http://www.hepc-connection.org

Hep C Connection provides a hepatitis C network and support system to assist hepatitis C-challenged individuals and their families.

Hepatitis C Action & Advocacy Coalition (HAAC)
James Learned
300 8th Avenue, # 5A
Brooklyn, NY 11215
E-mail: James_Learned@Prodigy.net

Brian Klein
530 Divisadero Street
Box 162
San Francisco, CA 94117
E-mail: HAAC_SF@hotmail.com

HAAC is a grassroots, volunteer group of individuals committed to nonviolent, direct action to end the hepatitis C crisis. They work to provide access to life-extending treatments to people with hepatitis C, foster effective prevention efforts, encourage sound public health policies, and ensure adequate funding and resources for the care, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis C. They do not accept money from pharmaceutical companies.

Hepatitis C Association*
1351 Cooper Road
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Phone: 866-437-4377
Fax: 908-561-4575
E-mail: info@hepcassoc.org
Internet address: http://www.hepcassoc.org

The Hepatitis C Association focuses on educating the public, creating awareness, promoting organ donation, and offering support to hepatitis patients. They do this through publications, an Internet site, a 24-hour toll-free support line, awareness pins, and educational programs.

Hepatitis C Awareness Project
PO Box 41803
Eugene, OR 97404-0520
Phone: 541-607-5725
E-mail: hepcaware@aol.com

The Hepatitis C Awareness Project is a grassroots organization in Oregon dedicated to increasing awareness about viral hepatitis, and educating the community about HCV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They are active in prison outreach and needle exchange. They produce a monthly newsletter for the state legislature and support group members.

Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program *
PO Box 1748
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: 877-737-4372
Fax: 503-632-9031
Internet address: http://www.hepcchallenge.org

The Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program is a nonprofit organization founded by a person with hepatitis C in search of treatment options. The Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program has no drugs or products to sell, and no therapies or clinics to promote. The only philosophy promoted is that it is vitally important for people with hepatitis C to equip themselves with facts and information about the illness and the various treatment options available to them.

Hepatitis C Support Project *
P.O. Box 427037
San Francisco, CA 94142-7037
Phone: 415-587-8908
Internet address: http://www.hcvadvocate.org

The Hepatitis Support Project offers support to those who are affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Support is provided through information and education, and access to support groups. The Project seeks to serve the HCV community and the general public.

H.E.A.L.S of North Georgia *
152 Little Brook Drive
Woodstock, GA 30188-1939
Phone: 770-926-8535
Internet address: http://www.healsofnga.org/

The goal at HEALS is to expand awareness about liver health through educational programs, literature, and public speaking. Young people, veterans, minorities, and prison populations are some of the groups targeted by HEALS. By educating the public, they hope to aid in the prevention of hepatitis in all its forms.

Hepatitis Education Project *
4603 Aurora Ave
Seattle, WA 98103-6513
Phone: 206-732-0311
Internet address: http://www.hepeducation.org

The Hepatitis Education Project works to raise awareness about the facts concerning hepatitis patients and the resources available to help those who live with the disease.

Hepatitis Foundation International
504 Blick Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20904-2901
Phone: 301-622 4200
Internet address: http://www.hepfi.org/

Hepatitis Foundation International works to increase awareness of the worldwide problem of viral hepatitis, and to educate the public and health care providers about its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hepatitis Magazine *
523 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77060
Phone: 281-272-2744 Ext. 132
Fax: 281-847-5440
Internet address: http://www.hepatitismag.com/

Hepatitis Magazine is the only national magazine dedicated to people with hepatitis B and C. The magazine is a bimonthly resource guide to assist hepatitis patients and their families in taking control of their health care by providing current, comprehensive information in one source.

Hepatitis Prevention, Education, Treatment and Support Network of Hawaii (HEPTS or Hepatitis Network of Hawaii) *
3254 Olu Street
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-221-6204
Fax: 808-758-5797
E-mail: KenAkinaka@aol.com

HEPTS is the only hepatitis B and C advocacy organization in Hawaii. It offers educational presentations and training opportunities for people with hepatitis and health care professionals. HEPTS members wrote and helped passed a state hepatitis C resolution in 2003 and were instrumental in having all Hawaiian Congressional Delegates become cosponsors of The National Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act. HEPTS helps facilitate the two support groups in Honolulu including HepCats, the oldest hepatitis support group in Hawaii. Establishing support groups is one of the missions of the organization. HEPTS is currently involved in promoting free and low cost hepatitis B and C test vouchers from the Jade Ribbon Campaign. The organization is planning a new program called Case Management Without Walls. The program will utilize part-time volunteer case managers, social workers, counselors, outreach workers and others from our faith communities.

Hepatitis Research Foundation *
RR 2 Box 12
Verbank, NY 12585
Internet address: http://www.heprf.org

The Hepatitis Research Foundation's mission is to raise money for research into new treatments for hepatitis.

Hepatitis Resource Network*
929 E. Main Ave., Suite 320
Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone: 866-HEP-NTWK
Fax: 253-446-9629
Internet address: http://www.h-r-n.org

Their mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is to broaden the number of physicians and Health Care providers who treat and manage chronic viral hepatitis in patients with and without HIV co-infection.

H:OPE*
111 Harding Ave
Long Beach, NY 11561
Phone: 516-889-1141
Internet address: http://www.hope4hcv.com

Hepatitis C: Organization for Prevention & Education (H:OPE) was born at the 2002 Harm Reduction Conference. Members of the four major medication assisted treatment advocacy organizations collaborated to create H:OPE to deal with the problem of HCV in the opiate addict population. H:OPE members ATWatchdog, AFIRM, ARM, and VAMA are working together for the addicted population adversely affected by HCV.

Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA)
1560 Mayflower Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
Phone: 718-892-8967
Internet address: http://www.lola-national.org

LOLA is a bilingual, bicultural, volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness of liver disease through prevention, education, and treatment-referral services.

LiverHope, Inc.*
16807 Canterbury Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: 952-933-0932
Internet address: http://www.liverhope.com

LiverHope provides support, promotes education, generates awareness and advocates for quality medical care for all people with hepatitis in the metropolitan Minneapolis and St. Paul area of Minnesota.

Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance (MOCHA)*
10800 E. Walnut Dr.
Centralia, MO 65240
Phone: 573-682-1714
E-mail: bburkett@socket.net

MOHCA hosts three area support group meetings on a regular basis. They also provide information for patients, families, and health care providers.

National Hepatitis C Coalition, Inc.
P.O. Box 921
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: (615) 355-8604
Internet address: http://nationalhepatitis-c.org

The National Hepatitis C Coalition was the first nationwide coalition of hepatitis C patients and their families. It is a nonprofit organization that provides education and support through on-line communication, a 24-hour HepLine, and grassroots support groups across America.

SAGE Project
1275 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-905-5050
Internet address: http://www.sageinc.org

The SAGE Project is women working together to heal from the pain and trauma of abuse and to find alternatives to a life of drug addiction, violence, and prostitution.

United Foundation for Patient Humanities
1444 Hidden Creek South
Saline, MI 48176
Phone: 734-429-7374
Internet address: http://www.ufph.org

United Foundation for Patient Humanities is a nonprofit, volunteer organization operated by a blend of patients and health care professionals with the mission of restoring quality of life to those affected by HCV and related chronic diseases by providing resources and programs unique to the needs of patients and loved ones.

Veterans Aimed Toward Awareness (VATA)*
111 West Main St.
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: 302-378-1415
Fax: 302-633-5415
Internet address: http://www.veteranshepaware.com

VATA is a member-run organization of veterans. Their outreach and advocacy is by and for the men and women who served in the nation's military services and their families. VATA seeks political and social change within the veteran's health system, the community, our state, and our country. VATA states, "We believe that all people have the right to be free from chronic illnesses that rob them of productive and satisfying lives. We believe that certain conditions, including substance abuse, dependency disorders, and hepatitis C, have profound consequences on productive living in our community. We will not tolerate silence or inaction on issues or diseases that disenfranchise or stigmatize the American veteran and his or her family."


General Medical Information Internet Sites That Include Information about Hepatitis C

Aetna Intelihealth
Internet address: www.intelihealth.com

This site is sponsored by the Aetna, Inc., an insurance company that is part of a larger international conglomerate. This site features Harvard Medical School's Consumer Health Information.

The Alternative Health News On-Line
Internet address: www.altmedicine.com

The Alternative Health News On-Line site provides information on alternative and conventional medicine as it relates to various health issues including hepatitis.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Internet address: http://www.naturopathic.org

This official site of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians offers a variety of resources on naturopathic medicine including a message board, library, and a naturopathic physician finder.

The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
Internet address: http://www.acam.org

The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) is a nonprofit medical society dedicated to educating physicians and other health care professionals on the latest findings and emerging procedures in preventive/nutritional medicine. ACAM's goals are to improve skills, knowledge, and diagnostic procedures as they relate to complementary and alternative medicine, to support research, and to develop awareness of alternative methods of medical treatment.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
Internet address: http://www.certifieddoctor.org

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) site has a public education program, a physician locator, and information services. The board certification status, location by city and state, and specialty of any physician certified by one or more of 24 member boards of the ABMS can be checked through this site. This service is free to consumers. Listed physicians have subscribed to be included in this service.

The American Medical Association (AMA)
Internet address: http://www.ama-assn.org

The American Medical Association (AMA) site has a consumer health section that includes links to general health issues, specific conditions, your body, your family's health, Kids Health Club, Doctor Finder, Hospital Finder, and a Medical Group Practice Finder. The nutrition section has information on such things as vitamins and fitness. It also has a medical glossary. There is a link to recipes, and new ones are posted every two weeks. This link also has information on health-oriented cookbooks and nutritional resources.

The British Medical Journal
Internet address: http://www.bmj.com

The British Medical Journal is a free publication with up-to-date information about hepatitis C, among many other topics.

CenterWatch
Internet address: http://www.centerwatch.com

CenterWatch is a clinical trials listing service of industry and government sponsored trials including recently FDA approved drug therapies.

ClinicalTrials.gov
Internet address: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov

This site is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. It provides current information on many clinical trials.

Doc Misha's Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine
Internet address: http://www.docmisha.com

This site has general information about Chinese medicine. There is specific information about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

Dr. Koop.com
Internet address: http://www.drkoop.com

Dr. Koop is a former United States Surgeon General. This site provides up-to-date information on hepatitis C and available treatments.

Dr. Weil.com
Internet address: http://www.drweil.com

Dr. Andrew Weil is a leader in the integration of western medicine and the exploding field of alternative medicine. This site has extensive information about integrated medicine.

Dr. Zhang.com
Internet address: http://www.dr-zhang.com

This site provides information on modern Chinese medicine specifically related to hepatitis C. There is also information about some other diseases such as Lyme disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome.

eBioCare.com
Internet address: http://www.eBioCare.com

This site provides information on risk factors, lifestyle, diet, and treatment options for people living with hepatitis C.

Healthfinder
Internet address: http://www.healthfinder.gov

The Healthfinder site is easy to navigate and has a tremendous amount of information. There is a lot of good information on hepatitis C and non-western medicine under the "Hot Topics" section. The non-western medicine information includes links for general information, therapies, nutrition and lifestyle information, quackery and fraud, training and associations, and other topics.

Health World On-line
Internet address: http://www.healthy.net

This comprehensive site provides access to information on a variety of therapies including acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, chiropractic medicine, homeopathy, and others. There are links to finding a health care provider in several different disciplines. This site has links to information on several diseases and conditions including hepatitis.

The Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet address: http://www.hepb.org

The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life of people affected by the illness. There are Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese language versions of this site.

Hepatitis C Advocacy
Internet address: http://www.hepcadvocacy.org

This site is dedicated to providing up-to-date information on hepatitis C, HIV, and HCV/HIV co-infection as it relates to federal and state lobbying efforts, and HIV and HCV public policies and funding programs. Moreover, the site specifically addresses the issues of those disproportionately affected by the epidemic, namely intravenous drug users and the substance using community at large. The site was initiated by and designed for advocates, service providers, and HIV/HCV co-infected consumers.

Hepatitis C Support Project
Internet address: http://www.hcvadvocate.org

The mission of the Hepatitis Support Project is to offer support to those who are affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Support is provided through information and education, and access to support groups. The Project seeks to serve the HCV community and the general public. The Project also operates an informative Internet site that addresses HCV and HIV/HCV coinfection. The HCV Advocate Newsletter is available for download. Educational materials are available in English and Spanish. There is information on support groups, clinical trials, and regularly updated news items on HCV. The Medical Writers' Circle features articles written by respected and knowledgeable physicians in the field of liver disease.

Hepatitis Central
Internet address: http://www.hepatitis-central.com

Hepatitis Central offers extensive information about all forms of hepatitis including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G, autoimmune hepatitis, and more.

Hepatology
Internet address: http://www.hepatology.org

This site provides access to Hepatology, the official journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

HIVandHepatitis.com
Internet address: http://www.HIVandHepatitis.com

The staff of HIV and Hepatitis.com state their common objective is to create a quality online publication that provides accurate, timely and cutting-edge information about treatment for HIV/AIDS, chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and co-infection with HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV. This site has an extensive list of consulting editors who review all materials before posting.

ITM On-line (Institute for Traditional Medicine)
Internet address: http://www.itmonline.org

This is the site of the Institute for Traditional Medicine. The Articles section has a Disorders Index that will take you to articles on hepatitis C. The START Index has good basic information on a wide variety of topics including acupuncture, the best time of day to take herbs, qi gong, the immune system, pregnancy, and Chinese herbs.

The Lancet
Internet address: http://www.thelancet.com

The Lancet is a peer-reviewed medical journal. You are able to search for articles on hepatitis C and are able to view the abstracts free of charge; full text articles can be viewed for a fee.

Lab Tests Online
Internet address: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/index.html

Lab Tests Online is designed to help patients and caregivers better understand the many clinical lab tests that are part of routine care as well as diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases.

National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP)
Internet address: http://www.natap.org

The NATAP mission is to educate individuals about HIV and hepatitis treatments and to advocate on the behalf of all people living with HIV/AIDS and HCV. Efforts in these areas are conducted on local, national, and international levels. The information on the site is scientifically oriented, abundant, and comprehensive in its coverage of both HIV and hepatitis. The site is regularly updated with new articles, studies, and highlights from various major conferences. Leading HIV and hepatitis researchers and treating physicians regularly contribute to the website. An entire section devoted solely to HCV is offered with easy to understand basic information, as well as advanced scientific information. There is also a new feature where a panel of expert physicians will answer HCV questions that are e-mailed to the site.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Internet address: http://www.nccam.nih.gov

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducts and supports basic and applied research and training and disseminates information on complementary and alternative medicine to practitioners and the public. There are sections on health information, current and completed research, news and events, and alerts and advisories.

The New England Journal of Medicine
Internet address: http://www.nejm.org

This is the site of the well-respected medical journal, The New England Journal of Medicine. It provides access to the PubMed database from which you can search for and order medical journal articles on hepatitis C.

Net Wellness
Internet address: http://www.netwellness.com

This site is sponsored by the University of Cincinnati but is a joint project of Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, and the University of Cincinnati. The site is a consumer health information site and has sections on current health news, health topics, clinical trials and more.

Oasis, Inc.
Internet address: http://www.oasisclinic.org

The Organization to Achieve Solutions in Substance Abuse (O.A.S.I.S.) is a nonprofit organization. The primary mission of Oasis is to provide low-cost, subsidized medical care, clinical research studies, and provision of and/or access to social and vocational rehabilitation services for medically marginalized former or current drug and alcohol users. They focus on people in the Oakland, California area. A movie about hepatitis C is available for download free of charge from the site.

United Network for Organ Sharing
Internet address: http://www.unos.org

This is the site of the United Network for Organ Sharing whose mission is to advance organ availability and transplantation. The site has news articles related to organ transplantation.

U.S. Pharmocopeia (USP)
Internet address: http://www.usp.org

In pursuit of its mission to promote public health, U.S. Pharmocopeia establishes state-of-the-art standards to ensure the quality of medicines for human and veterinary use. USP also develops authoritative information about the appropriate use of medicines. The site has prescription drug information and information about supplements.

The VA National Hepatitis Program
Internet address: http://www.hepatitis.va.gov

The Veterans Affairs National Hepatitis C Web site provides information about viral hepatitis for health care providers inside and outside the VA system, veterans, and the general public. The "Patient's Corner" area of the site has basic information on hepatitis C for patients, their families, and the general public.

WebMD
Internet address: http://www.webmd.com

This site is owned by WebMD Corporation. This is a comprehensive on-line resource committed to providing general health information and support. The site is extensive.


Internet Sites On Harm Reduction And Substance Abuse Resources And Treatment

American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD)
Internet address: www.aatod.org

AATOD was founded to enhance the quality of patient care in treatment programs by promoting the growth and development of comprehensive methadone treatment services throughout the United States.  AATOD works with federal agencies and state substance abuse authorities concerning opioid treatment policy.  The organization offers a program for providers entitled, the Hepatitis Education Training for Opioid Treatment Providers.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Injection Drug Users
Internet address: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm#idu

This location on the CDC site has links to sources of information about viral hepatitis and its prevention in the setting of injection drug use.

Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA)
Internet address: www.anypositivechange.org/menu.html

CRA is a racially and ethnically diverse group composed of people living with HIV and drug use, working in addiction treatment, health care, education, law and assorted other areas. See also CRA’s better vein care/safer injection guide at www.anypositivechange.org/bvcsi.html.

Florida Hepatitis and Liver Failure Prevention and Control Program
Internet address: www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/aids/hep/index.html

Operated by the Florida Department of Health, this site provides viral hepatitis information, and hepatitis vaccine and testing availability.  The Florida Hepatitis C Hotline is toll free at 1-866-FLA-HEPC.  The hotline provides hepatitis C education and describes testing options.

Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC)
Internet address: www.harmreduction.org  

The Harm Reduction Coalition is committed to reducing drug-related harm among individuals and communities by initiating and promoting local, regional, and national harm reduction education, interventions, and community organizing. HRC fosters alternative models to conventional health and human services and drug treatment; challenges traditional client/provider relationships; and provides resources, educational materials, and support to health professionals and drug users in their communities to address drug-related harm.

The Hepatitis C Harm Reduction Project (www.hepcproject.org) is a project of the Harm Reduction Coalition that addresses the hepatitis C epidemic among current and former drug users through education and training, improving access to medical care, and advocacy and policy.

Immunization Action Coalition, Model Programs for Hepatitis A, B, and C Prevention
Internet address: www.hepprograms.org/drug/index.asp

This location on the Immunization Action Coalition Internet site provides links to harm reduction programs and resources.

Lifeguard Harm Reduction Services
Internet address: www.lifeguardonline.org

Lifeguard Harm Reduction Services is part of the Partnership for Increasing Harm Reduction Services (PIHRS).  This collaborative effort is designed to provide comprehensive harm reduction services for persons who inject drugs.

National Development and Research Institutes, Center for Drug Use and HIV Research
Internet address: www.cduhr.ndri.org

CDUHR is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  It is the first center for the socio-behavioral study of drug use and HIV in the United States. The Center is dedicated to increasing the understanding of the drug use-HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly among high-risk individuals. The goal of the Center is to advance knowledge regarding social-level and other influences on HIV-related risk behavior, prevention and transmission. In addition, the Center facilitates the development of timely new research efforts and disseminates information to researchers and service providers.

North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN)
Internet address: www.nasen.org   

NASEN is dedicated to the creation, expansion and continued existence of syringe exchange programs as a proven method of stopping the transmission of blood borne pathogens in the injecting drug using community.  Site contains numerous links to harm reduction information.

Partnership for Recovery
Internet address:  www.partnershipforrecovery.org

The Partnership for Recovery is a coalition of non-profit alcohol and drug treatment providers dedicated to improving access to professional treatment for all Americans suffering from the disease of addiction.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Internet address:  www.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  SAMHSA's vision is a life in the community for everyone.  SAMHSA's mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness.  The SAMHSA site has subsections including, but not limited to:

services for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis (www.samhsa.gov/Matrix/matrix_HIV.aspx)

buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction (www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov)

substance abuse treatment facility locator (www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov)

center for substance abuse treatment (www.csat.samhsa.gov)


Internet Resources for Information on Health Care Providers

A Note About Fee-Based Referral Services

Many referral services are fee-based, which means that while they may be free for you to access, health care providers pay a fee to be listed. Therefore, these services do not guarantee the experience level of the health care provider, they just provide general information. It is up to you to find out if a health care provider listed with these services has experience with hepatitis C.

Information and Referral Resources on the Internet for Western (Allopathic and Osteopathic) Health Care Providers

American Medical Association
Internet address: http://www.ama-assn.org

The Doctor Finder link or AMA Physician Select allows you to search for a physician by name or medical specialty.

American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
Internet address: http://www.certifieddoctor.org

This site has a public education program, a physician locator, and information services. You can verify the board certification status, location by city and state, and specialty of any physician certified by one or more of the 24 member boards of the ABMS. This service is free to consumers but physicians have subscribed to be listed in this service.

Information and Referral Resources on the Internet for Non-Western Health Care Providers

American Institute of Homeopathy
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-246-9501
E-mail: aih@bigplanet.com
Internet address: http://www.homeopathyusa.org

American Naturopathic Medical Association
P.O. Box 96273
Las Vegas, Nevada 89193
Phone: 702-897-7053
Internet address: http://www.anma.com

The American Naturopathic Medical Association will make referrals to naturopathic physicians and homeopathic practitioners.

HealthWorld On-Line
Internet address: http://www.healthy.net

This comprehensive site provides links to resources for help in finding a health care provider in several different disciplines.

Institute for Traditional Medicine (ITM)
Internet address: http://www.itmonline.org

This site has extensive information about CAM disciplines. There are also direct links to other sites on topics such as Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Native American medicine, western medicine, and others.

Healthfinder
Internet address: http://www.healthfinder.gov

This site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to a Health Library, the section entitled Health Care has extensive information about finding quality health care.


Consumer/Government Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act Information Line
Phone: 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov

Consumer Health Information Research
Phone: 816-228-4595

Department of Justice
Internet address: http://www.usdoj.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
For questions:
Phone: 800-669-4000 (voice) or 800-669-6820 (TDD)
To request documents:
Phone: 800-669-3362 (voice) or 800-800-3302 (TDD)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Office of Special Health Issues
Parklawn Building, HF-12
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD
Phone: 800-FDA-1088
Internet address: http://www.fda.gov
Contact the FDA to report side effects or other problems with drug treatment.

Food and Nutrition Information Center
National Agricultural Library/USDA
10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 304
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Internet address: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/dietsupp.html
This site provides a dietary supplement resource list.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse
Phone: 888-644-6226
Internet address: http://www.nccam.nih.gov
You can request free information either on-line or by phone.

National Council Against Health Fraud
Phone: 909-824-4690

National Digestive Diseases Info Clearinghouse
Phone: 301-654-3810
E-mail address: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
You can request free information either on-line or by phone.

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Phone: 301-656-0003
Internet address: http://www.nfid.org

National Institutes of Health
Phone: 301-496-1776
Internet address: www.nih.org

National Library of Medicine
Internet address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Social Security Disability Line
Phone: 800-772-1213

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Internet address: http://www.healthfinder.com


Pharmaceutical Companies

Intermune
Phone: 888-486-6411 (Infergen® Access Hotline)
Phone: 800-577-9112
Internet address: http://www.infergen.com

Roche Patient Assistance Program
Phone: 877-75ROCHE
Roche Hotline: 877-757-6243
Internet address: http://www.rocheusa.com

Schering "Be in Charge" Program
Phone: 888-437-2608
"Commitment to Care": 800-521-7157
Internet address: http://www.beincharge.com


Recommended Reading

Books on Hepatitis C

Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine, Qingcai Zhang, M.D.,Sino-Med Institute, New York, NY 2000

Hepatitis and Liver Disease; What You Need to Know, Melissa Palmer, MD, Avery, Vonore, TN 2000

Hepatitis C, T. Liang, J. Hoofnagle et al, Academic Press, San Diego, CA 2000

Living with Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide, Gregory T. Everson, Hedy Weinberg, John M. Vierling, Hatherleigh, Long Island City, NY 1999

My Mom Has Hepatitis C, Hedy Weinberg, and Shira Shump, Hatherleigh, Long Island City, NY 2000

The Hepatitis C Handbook, Matthew Dolan, Iain M. Murray-Lyon, John Tindall, North Atlantic Books, Berkely, CA 1999

The Hepatitis C Help Book: A Groundbreaking Treatment Program Combining Western and Eastern Medicine for Maximum Wellness and Healing, Misha Ruth Cohen, Robert G., M.D Gish, Kalia Doner (Contributor), St. Martins Press, New York, NY 2000


Other Health Care Books

Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Burton Goldberg Group, Future Medicine Publishing, Tiburon, CA 1994

Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac., Efrem Korngold, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ballantine Books, New York, NY 1991

Chinese Herbal Medicine, Formulas and Strategies, Compiled and translated by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, with Ted Kaptchuk, Eastland Press Vista, CA 1986

The Chinese Way to Healing: Many Paths to Wholeness, Misha Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac., Penquin Putnam, New York, NY 1996

Complete Drug Reference, United States Pharmacopeia 2002. Rockville, MD 2002 (This is an annual publication.)

Discovering Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century, Dana Ullman and Ronald W. Davey, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA 1991

Eat, Drink and be Wary, T. Graedon, Rodale Inc., Emmaus. PA 2000

Eating Well for Optimum Health: The Essential Guide to Food, Diet, and Nutrition, Andrew Weil, Alfred A Knopf, New York, NY 2000

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, M. Murray and J. Pizzorno, Prima Publishing, Roseville, CA 1997

The Green Pharmacy, J. Duke, St. Martin's Press New York, NY 1998

The HIV Wellness Sourcebook, Misha Cohen, Henry Holt and company, New York, NY 1998

Homeopathic Methodology: Repertory, Case Taking, and Case Analysis: An Introductory Homeopathic Workbook, M.D.,Todd Rowe, Todd Rowe, Roger Morrison, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA 1998

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies; Over 1000 natural remedies for the prevention, treatment, and cure of common ailments and conditions, CN Shealy, Shaftsbury, Dorset, Elephant Books, Gilroy, CA 1998

Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self-Care, Andrew Weil, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA 1998

PDR for Herbal Medicines, J. Gruenwald et al, Medical Economics, Montvale, NJ 1998

The People's Pharmacy to Home and Herbal Remedies, J. Graedon and T. Graedon, St. Martin's Press (Trade), New York, NY 1999

Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR®), Medical Economics Co., Montvale, NJ  2004 (This is an annual publication)

Pocket Manual of Meterica Medica with Repertory, Boericke, William, M.D., Jain, 1982.

Quantum Healing, Deepak Chopra, Bantam Books, New York, NY 1989

Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, J.T. Kent , South Asia Books, Columbia, MO 1994

Return of the Rishi, Deepak Chopra, Houghton Mifflin Co, Boston, MA 1988

The Web That Has No Weaver, Ted Kaptchuk, Congdon and Weed, Contemporary Books, Chicago, IL 1983