NIH Information Sources

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
  Information Clearinghouse
  National Institutes of Health

1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484
Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
TTY: 301–565–2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov

NIAMS, a part of the NIH, leads the federal government research effort in arthritis and other diseases that affect the muscles, bones, joints, and skin. NIAMS supports research and research training throughout the US, as well as on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The NIAMS Office of Communications and Public Liaison provides health and research information for the public through the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse.

• Clinical Trials at NIH

Toll Free: 800-411-1222
Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov
Clinical trials are medical research studies to see whether new treatments are safe and effective. These studies help doctors learn how people respond to medicines or other new or improved treatments. This Website provides patients, families, and the public with an easy way to get information about clinical trials. Links to the people who are recruiting participants for each study are also provided.

• MedlinePlus

Website: http://medlineplus.gov/
The National Library of Medicine’s Website for consumer health information
 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Online Resource

The following Website can help you find additional sources of information about lupus:

• HealthFinder 

Website: http://www.healthfinder.gov

 The site for consumer health information.

• Could I have lupus?

Website:  http://www.couldihavelupus.gov/

The "Could I Have Lupus?" campaign is designed to heighten awareness and create a sense of urgency about lupus. With the help of women who are actually living with lupus, we are sending a message to women who are suffering from lupus symptoms -- that they can find support, hope and, most of all, answers. They just have to start by asking the right question: "Could I have lupus?"

For more information please contact the Office on Women’s Health at 1-800-994-9662.

Other Organizations

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60618-4014
Phone: 847-330-0230
Toll Free: 866-503-SKIN (7546)
Fax: 847-240-1859
Website: http://www.aad.org

This academy is dedicated to achieving the highest quality of dermatologic care for everyone. It can also provide referrals to dermatologists.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

6300 North River Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60018-4262
Phone: 847-823-7186
Toll Free: 800-824-BONE (2663)
Fax: 847-823-8125
Email: pemr@aaos.org
Website: http://www.aaos.org

The academy provides education and practice management services for orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals, including those who treat children. It also serves as an advocate for improved patient care and informs the public about the science of orthopedics. The orthopedist’s scope of practice includes disorders of the body’s bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. For a single copy of an AAOS brochure, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above or visit its Website.
 

• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

2200 Lake Blvd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
Phone: 404-633-3777
Fax: 404-633-1870
Website: http://www.rheumatology.org
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is an organization of doctors and associated health professionals who specialize in arthritis and related diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles. The Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of ACR, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of rheumatology health professionals and to promote their involvement in rheumatology research, education, and quality patient care. The association also works to advance and promote basic and continuing education in rheumatology for health professionals who provide care to people with rheumatic diseases.

• American Autoimmune-Related Diseases Association, Inc. (AARDA)

22100 Gratiot Ave.
East Detroit, MI 48021
Phone: 586-776-3900
Toll Free: 800-598-4668
Fax: 586-776-3903
Email: aarda@aarda.org
Website: http://www.aarda.org
The American Autoimmune-Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is a nonprofit voluntary health agency dedicated to bringing a national focus and collaborative effort to the more than 100 known autoimmune diseases through education, awareness, research, and patient services. By collaborating with the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups (NCAPG), AARDA supports legislative advocacy for autoimmune disease patients. AARDA provides free patient education information, physician and agency referrals, forums and symposia, and a quarterly newsletter.
 

• Arthritis Foundation

P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
Phone: 404-872-7100
Toll Free: 800-283-7800
Website: http://www.arthritis.org
The Arthritis Foundation is devoted to supporting arthritis research and providing educational and other services to individuals with arthritis. The foundation publishes a free pamphlet on rheumatoid arthritis and a magazine for members on all types of arthritis. It also provides up-to-date information on research and treatment, nutrition, alternative therapies, and self-management strategies. Chapters nationwide offer exercise programs, classes, support groups, physician referral services, and free literature. The foundation also has free information about lupus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune and rheumatic conditions on its Website.

• Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)

2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-349-1155
Toll Free: 800-558-0121
Fax: 202-349-1156
Website: http://www.lupus.org
The Lupus Foundation of America is a national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus; and to providing support, services and hope to all people with this condition. The LFA and its network of nearly 300 chapters and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.

• SLE Lupus Foundation

330 Seventh Ave., Suite 1701
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212–685–4118
Toll Free: 800-74-LUPUS (745-8787)
Fax: 212-545-1843
Email: lupus@lupusny.org
Website: http://www.lupusny.org
The SLE Foundation supports and encourages medical research to find the cause and cure of lupus, and improve its diagnosis and treatment. It also provides a wide variety of services to help people with lupus and their families. In addition, this voluntary organization conducts a broad-based public education program to raise awareness of lupus, and increase understanding of this serious chronic autoimmune disease.

Links to additional information and resources are available under the Links & Resources tab.