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PEACHI: Patient Education And Consumer Health InformationPLEASE NOTE: The materials cited here are intended to provide you with a wide range of medical and health information. This information should not be considered medical advice or medical instruction and is not a substitute for an informed discussion with your health care provider. We encourage you to consult your health care provider if you have questions regarding any of this information. Guides to Evaluating Health Information on the Internet Comprehensive Health Information Government Agencies Individual Organizations
Selected Patient/Consumer Health Internet Sites
Comprehensive Health InformationGovernment Agencies - National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus
An easy-to-understand resource for the public which includes MEDLINE--the world's largest database of peer-reviewed information--as well as links to self-help groups, access to the National Institutes of Health's consumer health information, clearinghouses, health-related organizations, and clinical trials. Also available in a Spanish-language edition, with additional resources in multiple foreign languages..
 Federal Health Information Clearinghouse: Healthfinder
A gateway consumer health and human services information web site from the United States government. Information also available in Spanish.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC
Branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability through research and education. The site includes links to health statistics, immunization information, data on HIV and AIDS, travelers' health, and other public health information of all kinds. Spanish-language information is also available.
- Easy-to-read Health and Medical Resources
Compilation of easy-to-read pages from the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus.
- Georgia Division of Public Health
Contains sections on public health news, resources, and statistics
Individual Organizations- A Su Salud Health Information in Spanish
From the library at South Texas Community College, an extensive list of Spanish language health resources from commercial, educational, non-profit, and government organizations.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Consumer Health
AHRQ is the major federal agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services. Materials available at this site include fact sheets and policy guidelines on such topics as evaluating treatment options, finding reliable health information, smoking cessation, choosing a health care plan, prescription drugs, and many others. A Spanish-language section is also available.
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Health Information for Patients
A searchable, browsable site that includes patient information handouts, educational brochures, a collection of Family Health Topics, a directory of family medicine offices, self-care flowcharts, and more. Spanish-language information is available also.
- American Medical Association Patient Information Page
Includes links to a DoctorFinder, a Medical Ethics resource, news from the AMA, and general health information for the public via the MedemTM site's online Medical Library.
- ClinicalTrials.gov from the National Institutes of Health
Searchable database developed by NIH in collaboration with the National Library of Medicine. It provides patients, family members and members of the public with current information about clinical research studies.
Consumer Information Center, General Services Adminstration Health Publications Features full text versions of many of the federal consumer health publications available. They may be viewed for free online or may be ordered as printed copies (many free). Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Health Information's award-winning consumer Web site offers health information, and self-improvement and disease management tools. MayoClinic.com's medical experts and editorial professionals bring you access to the knowledge and experience of Mayo Clinic for all of your consumer health information needs, from cancer, diabetes and heart disease to nutrition, exercise and pregnancy.
- National Health Information Center (NHIC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
A health information referral service. NHIC puts consumers who have health questions in touch with those organizations that are best able to provide answers.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Contains several searchable databases that help consumers find information on rare or unusual "orphan" diseases, defined as those conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.
- NetWellness
Comprehensive site produced by health and information professionals; contains health news and information on general health topics. Also includes an "Ask an Expert" feature, in which health professionals will answer your questions.
- N.O.A.H.(New York Online Access to Health)
According to the producers of this site, NOAH "seeks to provide high quality full-text consumer health information that is accurate, timely, relevant and unbiased." Information is published in English and Spanish.
- Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Publications
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) of the Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "stimulates and coordinates efforts in both the public and private sectors to reduce the risk of disease and early death and to promote good health." Materials listed here are publications that ODPHP has sponsored or cosponsored. Many publications are available free online.
- Office of Minority Health Resource Center, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Information resources on minority health include databases (funding, media, research, data, and listings of volunteer resource persons) as well as publications such as scientific reports, journals, and documents. A Spanish version of the site is available. OMH-RC services are free, and can also be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-444-6472. Groups covered include American Indian and Alaska Native, Blacks/African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic/Latino populations.
- Seek Wellness
Commercial site that offers information about clinical trials, community health, drug dosages and compliance, treatment options and research, how to select a health care provider, illnesses and operations, healthy lifestyles, alternative medicine, and much more.
Selected Patient/Consumer Health SitesAlternative Medicine Information - Alternative Medicine HomePage
From the Falk Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Information is organized into categories such as Internet resources, mailing lists and newsgroups, alternative medicine databases, practitioners' directories, and much more.
- IBIDS Database
The International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements database is a collection of published international literature on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. It's produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health to assist the public, health care providers, and others in locating credible scientific information on dietary supplements.
- NIH: National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
A center within the National Institutes of Health, this office researches alternative medical treatments to determine their effectiveness.
- Quackwatch
A nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies. Available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.
- Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This organization researches the safety and effectiveness of alternative and complementary remedies and practices, and develops curriculum and training programs that will promote wider knowledge, greater understanding and credible scientific efforts in alternative and complementary medicine.
Drug Information - The Food and Drug Administration: Consumer Information
Provides basic information about medications recently approved by the FDA. They are prepared by pharmacists from FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Only information about drugs approved since January 1998 is available here.
- The Internet Drug Index: RxList
Built and maintained by a pharmacist, this commercial resource provides a large searchable database of more than 4000 prescription drugs.
- MedlinePlus Drug Information
From the National Library of Medicine; an excellent guide to more than 9000 prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Needy Meds
A resource to "provide information about patient assistance programs which provide no cost prescription medications to eligible participants." Can be browsed by drug brand name, generic drug name, program name, or company name.
- PhRMA Drugs in Development
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) "New Medicines in Development" site offers a database of new drugs searchable by disease/condition, drug name, or company.
Health News- CNN Interactive -- Health
A subset of this huge news organization's Web site, CNN Health contains breaking news stories on health topics of interest to consumers. It also maintains a searchable archive of past news items.
- Department of Health & Human Services Press Releases
Includes current press releases, media advisories and statements for news media plus past press releases by year.
- MedlinePlus Health News carries the most recent 30 days of health-related news from the New York Times, Reuters Health, and other providers. News is also archived from the previous 60 days, and you may also browse news by topic.
Health-Related Publications Online FDA Consumer
The official magazine of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it provides information on how to get healthy and stay that way. It also reports on current FDA activities concerning the products they regulate, including food, human and animal drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, radiation-emitting products, and others.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition
This site includes the searchable full text of the second edition of The Merck Manual of Medical Information--Home Edition. This edition was published in 2004 and uses non-technical language to provide information about diseases, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. It is, essentially, a layman's version of The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th edition. The online version of the Home Edition contains alphabetized lists of topics, photographs, and video and audio materials.
Resources for Specific Medical Conditions
ARTHRITIS - Arthritis Foundation
The mission of the Foundation is to support research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. Contains archived issues of the journal "Arthritis Today" as well as links to information about juvenile arthritis, arthritis news items, arthritis research, and a link to the Georgia Chapter of the Foundation.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: NIAMS
One of the National Institutes of Health, this organization offers fact sheets, statistics, information on clinical studies, news, and special reports on arthritis and many other conditions. A Spanish version is available.
CANCER - American Cancer Society
Comprehensive site that provides a wealth of information on the various types of cancer; news reports; prevention, detection, and risk factors; patient and family guides; what to ask your doctor; and much more. Spanish-language information is available.
- NIH: National Cancer Institute's Cancer.gov
Includes a publications index. All publications are free, although the NCI may set limits on quantities of print copies. Consumers may also call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER to receive publications. Some materials available in Spanish.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is "the oldest survivor-led advocacy organization working on behalf of this country's nearly ten million cancer survivors and the millions more touched by this disease." The Resource Guide available at their site may be browsed by topic and includes links to information about types of cancer, essential care, and cancer centers. You may also browse by type of services offered, including advocacy, clinical trials, counseling and support groups, and much more. Links to Spanish resources are available.
- The Intercultural Cancer Council
As noted on their Web site, the ICC works "to reduce the higher incidence, suffering and death from cancer among minority, culturally diverse and medically underserved populations."
- Oncolink
Produced by the University of Pennsylvania; contains information on cancer topics in the news, clinical trials, support groups, financial issues, and many additional links to other organizations.
DIABETES - American Diabetes Association
The goal of the ADA is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. The site includes general diabetes information, news items, recipes, patient advocacy issues, an online consumer journal, Diabetes Forecast, and much more. Spanish-language version available.
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
Established in 1978 to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Offers a diabetes dictionary, many patient education publications, fact sheets, and links to other organizations. Spanish-language publications are available.
HEART DISEASE - American Heart Association
Non-profit organization offering information and education on fighting heart disease and stroke. Site contains family health info, including nutrition and exercise; sections on heart diseases, conditions and treatments; a comprehensive heart & stroke encyclopedia; and a risk assessment tool. Spanish version available.
- The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Patient Education: Heart Disease
Considered one of the finest heart centers in the U.S., the Cleveland Clinic provides a patient education site which contains materials on various aspects of heart disease, including diagnostic tests, the care and treatment of heart disease, disease prevention, cardiac surgery, risk factors, and heart medications.
- NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Plans and directs research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases; and sleep disorders. This site offers many online publications on heart attack, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other pertinent topics; some targeted to several special populations: women, African-Americans, and Hispanics.
HIV/AIDS/STDs - AIDSinfo.gov
This resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services combines information from two previous online sites: ACTIS (AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service) and ATIS (AIDS Treatment Information Service). You will find consumer information on clinical trials, current treatments, an AIDS/HIV glossary, and much more.
- American Social Health Association
This non-profit organization, founded in 1914 and dedicated to stopping sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), has up-to-date information on education resources, referral services, research data, news links, an online newsletter, and more.
- The Body
Comprehensive AIDS & HIV information with a section devoted to quality of life issues, including legal, financial, workplace, and mental health concerns. Spanish language version available.
- CDC: Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention
- CDC: Division of STD Prevention
Each of these sites contain a wealth of information, including press releases, fact sheets, brochures, surveillance reports, treatment guidelines, data on vaccine research and clinical trials, and much more.
- HIV InSite
From the University of California/San Francisco. Current, comprehensive and reliable information dealing with therapies, prevention, social issues. Includes feature articles, state-by-state resource directory, and links to other HIV/AIDS Websites.
- Specialized Information Services, NLM, HIV/AIDS Information
A division of the National Library of Medicine, SIS offers access to AIDS databases, online tutorials, news, fact sheets, manuals, and Web links.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Facts for Families
Resources for parents and teachers in English, Spanish, Malaysian, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Hebrew, and Icelandic.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
A support, education, advocacy, and research organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with severe mental illnesses. Offers fact sheets on various severe mental illnesses, news, referral services. A toll-free hotline is available at 1-800-950-NAMI.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
The federal agency charged with conducting research and compiling information on drug abuse and addiction.
- National Institute of Mental Health
The NIH institute concerned with research and education on mental illnesses of all kinds. Site includes full-text specifics on various disorders, reports, press releases, statistics, fact sheets, and clinical trials information. A separate publications page is available. Spanish language resources are also online.
- PsychCentral
Created by psychologist Dr. John Grohol, this was one of the first Web sites devoted to mental health. It contains links to mental health and psychology online resources, live interactive chats, blogs, FAQs and more.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for a public health approach to substance abuse and mental health services, concentrating on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Offers a number of publications and resources. ___________________________________________________________________________
Updated July 27, 2009
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