Internet Resources/Links:

Accessible PA
Website: http://www.accessiblepa.state.pa.us
Information on a variety of programs and services for Pennsylvanians with disabilities as well as their families and support providers.

Administration on Aging
Website: http://www.aoa.gov
This is the federal agency that is the focus of all government aging services and provides opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and their families. This site also has information on the area agencies on aging and links to other related government sites.

American Association for Retired Persons (AARP)
Website: http://www.aarp.org
AARP works to improve the quality of life as people grow older. The website informs you how to become a member of AARP.

American Diabetes Association
Website: http://www.diabetes.org
The Association's website provides general information on diabetes, information on advocacy and tips for living with diabetes such as exercise and nutrition.

American Heart Association
Website: http://www.americanheart.org
This site is filled with information. It has everything from warning signs of heart attack and stroke to exercise and nutrition and risk awareness.

American Lung Association
Website: http://www.lungusa.org
The Association’s site contains information about fighting lung disease, advocacy information and statistics. Also contains an alphabetical listing of types of lung disease to provide you with current and accurate information.

Arthritis Foundation
Website: http://www.arthritis.org
The foundation works to support those in finding a cure and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. This web page also has a section on advocacy and can help locate local support groups.

Alzheimer's Association
Website: http://www.alz.org
The site covers basic information about the Alzheimer’s Association and can link you to a local chapter that provides programs and services to persons with Alzheimer’s, their families, caregivers and health care professionals.

Caregiving
Website: http://www.caregiving.com
A website to provide answers to all your caregiving situations. Information on caregiving, support and recognizing the work caregivers do.

Department of Public Assistance
Website: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/index.asp
The official site of the Department of Public Welfare that lists the programs and services it funds. Click on a program for a complete description. It also has a listing of the County Assistance Offices.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Website: http://www.va.gov
A wealth of information on benefits and programs available to veterans and their families. Can access information on special programs and online applications.

Healthfinder
Website: http://www.healthfinder.gov
Gateway to consumer health information website. Contains on-line journals, medical dictionaries and guides to prevention and self-care.

International Affiliation of Compeer Programs
Website: http://www.compeer.org
Compeer is an international not for profit organization, which matches community volunteers in supportive friendship relationships with children and adults receiving mental health treatment. "Compeer" means a companion who is both a peer and an equal.

Medicare Hotline
Website: http://www.medicare.gov
The official federal Medicare website, with useful information for people with Medicare and anyone involved in helping them with their health care decisions. The site provides customized comparative information about Medicare+Choice plans, nursing homes, supplemental insurance policies for people with Medicare, local events where Medicare is the topic, and resources for additional information.

Mental Health Association of Southern Pennsylvania
Website: http://www.mhasp.org

Mental Health Association - Anti-stigma campaign
Website: http://www.openmindsopendoors.com

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
Web Site: http://www.odpconsulting.org
Provides information on ODP programs, supports and initiatives

Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' association (PMHCA)
Website: http://www.pmhca.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Pennsylvania Chapter
Website: http://namipa.nami.org/

National Council on Aging
Website: http://www.ncoa.org
This organization provides information on current issues that affect older adults. The site also includes areas on "Aging Advocacy" and "Workforce Development" for older persons.

National Family Caregivers Association
Website: http://www.nfcacares.org
National Family Caregiver Association's website is to educate, support, empower and speak up for caregivers.

Nursing Home Directory (Pennsylvania Department of Health)
Website: http://ecapps.health.state.pa.us/commonPOC/nhlocatorie.asp
Click on the County in Pennsylvania to search for nursing homes licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Click to read the inspection results on each nursing home.

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
Websites: http://www.odpconsulting.org
Provides information on ODP programs, supports, and initiatives

Social Security Administration
Website: http://www.ssa.gov
Provides information on the services and benefits available. Also provides updates on changes and legislation with the Administration.

"Today's Caregiver Magazine"
Website: http://www.caregiver.com
Contains articles providing information to caregivers. Articles range from Alzheimer’s Disease to Depression to Legal Issues.

Vital Records (National Center for Health Statistics)
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/series/ser.htm
Resource to locate where to write for vital records in each state