THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994 TAG: 9406300055
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ORLANDO SENTINEL
DATELINE: 940630 LENGTH: Medium
AIDS
{REST} For counseling over the telephone, contact the Tidewater AIDS Crisis Task Force, 626-0127, or the national 24-hour AIDS hot line, (800) 342-AIDS.
AIDS drugs can be provided at wholesale prices through the mail from Pharmacy Management Services Inc., (800) 237-7676, Ext. 6617.
Cancer
For free information on cancer treatment options and experimental therapies, call the Physician's Data Query through the Cancer Information Service at the National Cancer Institute: (800) 4-CANCER.
To get a second opinion on your cancer treatment, call the Cancer Information Service. The Cancer Information Service is part of the National Cancer Institute. Call (800) 4-CANCER.
The American Cancer Society offers services through its local divisions. Support groups, wigs and help with obtaining housing are available at no charge. Limited financial assistance for medication is available through the society's Direct Aid Program for patients who meet strict low-income criteria. Contact (800) 227-2345.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation offers free information on tumors that affect children. Contact the agency at (800) 366-2223.
Eye care
The National Eye Care Project offers medical services for people 65 and older. You can receive a comprehensive eye examination and diagnosis. Cataract surgery is performed by some physicians at no charge. The program does not provide medicine, glasses or hospital care. Contact The American Academy of Ophthalmology for a list of participating doctors: (800) 222-EYES.
On Mission Cataract Day, ophthalmologists across the country set aside a day to perform free cataract operations. Patients also receive free screenings. The next Mission Cataract Day will be held in May 1995. Contact the program at (800) 343-7265.
Lions Club International chapters help low-income people obtain eyeglasses. Through the Lions Club Light House for the Blind project, funds are available for the low-income visually impaired to get medical treatment. Contact your local chapter or write to the national headquarters, 300 Second St., Oak Brook, Ill. 60570.
Hearing
A list of organizations that assist in buying hearing aids is available from the Better Hearing Institute, (800) EAR-WELL.
General medical care
The Hill-Burton program of the U.S. Public Health Service offers free medical care through clinics, hospitals and nursing homes built with federal construction grants. Contact the Maryland-based agency at (800) 638-0742.
Mental health
For information on mental health and medications to treat mental disorders, contact the National Mental Health Association Information Center's 24-hour line: (800) 969-6642.
For help with depression, call the National Foundation for Depressive Illness: (800) 248-4344.
Rare diseases
The National Organization for Rare Disorders compiles information on more than 5,000 diseases. Call (800) 999-6673.
{KEYWORDS} HEALTH CARE by CNB