Research & Science

ACHCA is a professional society for administrators in long-term care. It offers educational programming, career development opportunities, and certification.

NAMI offers support groups, education, advocacy, and research to help people with mental illness. The Alliance seeks to educate all people about severe and persistent mental illnesses to eliminate stigma and promote access to services. Search the website for lists of local affiliates and state organizations.

The Clearinghouse, funded by NCCAM, provides information on alternative medical therapies not commonly used or previously accepted in conventional Western medicine. Contact the Clearinghouse for information on holistic healing traditions, including acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, and traditional oriental medicine. NCCAM does not recommend specific therapies. Publications are available by fax-on-demand and on the website.

NCI, part of NIH, is the lead agency for cancer research and statistics, treatments, clinical trials, patient education, and public information on all types of cancer, risk factors, and prevention. NCI's toll-free Cancer Information Service provides accurate, up-to-date, science-based answers. Information Specialists can answer questions in English, Spanish, and on TTY. The CIS provides referrals to cancer specialists and other related resources, including where to find survivor groups. Many free publications are offered.

NIAMS Information Clearinghouse is funded by NIAMS, part of NIH. The Clearinghouse provides information and resources on all forms of arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases such as fibromyalgia, as well as skin diseases. Contact the Clearinghouse for information on research and referrals to research programs and community resources. Publications are available on the causes, treatments, and prevention of arthritis, lupus, musculoskeletal disorders, and diseases of bones, joints, and skin.

NHIC, a service of the Federal Government, links consumers and health professionals with resources and information. The Center provides health information, contacts for Federally-supported health information centers, lists of national health observances, and toll-free numbers sponsored by the Federal Government.

NIA, part of NIH, conducts and supports biomedical, social, and behavioral research on aging processes, disease, and the special problems and needs of older people. NIA develops and disseminates publications on topics such as the biology of aging, exercise, doctor/patient communication, and menopause. The Institute produces the Age Pages - a series of fact sheets for consumers on a wide range of subjects including nutrition, medications, forgetfulness, sleep, driving, and long- term care.

NIDCD, part of NIH, conducts and supports research on normal mechanisms as well as diseases and disorders of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. NIDCD develops and disseminates health information to the public based on scientific discovery.

NIDCR, part of NIH, conducts and supports research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the teeth, gums, and facial bones. Contact NOHIC for facts about oral health in people with disabling conditions and referrals to specialists and related resources. Contact NIDCR for information on available publications, audiovisual materials, and fact sheets.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in 1991 to address the most common causes of death, disability, and impaired quality of life in postmenopausal women. The WHI addresses cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. The three major components of the WHI were a randomized controlled clinical trial of promising but unproven approaches to prevention, an observational study to identify predictors of disease, and a study of community approaches to developing healthful behaviors.