Resources for Assistance
National and State Organizations & Programs
NATIONAL
Air Care Alliance (http://www.aircareall.org/listings.htm)
The Air Care Alliance is a group of flying organizations whose volunteer pilots are dedicated to community service. This site's purpose is to connect volunteers that perform public benefit flying for health care, patient transport, disaster relief, environmental support, and other missions of public service with those who need help.
Benefits Checkup (http://www.benefitscheckup.org)
Benefits Checkup -is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources. Benefits Checkup includes more than 1,550 public and private benefits programs, such as: Prescription drugs, Nutrition & Food Stamps, Energy assistance, Financial, Legal, Health Care, Social Security, Housing, In-home services, Tax relief, Transportation, Educational assistance, Employment, and Volunteer services.
Cancer Care (http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/cc_financial.php)
We provide limited grants for certain expenses related to cancer treatment.
Catholic Charities (http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org)
Catholic Charities provides a wide range of services, from affordable low-income housing, to food banks, financial assistance,to youth counseling and health services. This site includes links to local sites throughout the U.S.
Citizen's Energy (http://www.citizensenergy.com/main/Home.html)
Citizens Energy Corporation created a number of assistance programs that help people afford energy, reduce health care costs, and serve a variety of other social and educational needs.
Disabled Children's Relief Fund (http://www.dcrf.com)
This organization provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery.
Family Relief Fund (http://www.familyrelieffund.org/)
Family Relief Fund provides financial assistance to families who have children with Cystic Fibrosis and other chronic health problems.
First Hand (http://www.firsthandfoundation.org/)
First Hand helps the families of children with health problems address the financial aspects of their child's healthcare. 816-201-1569
Go Ask Alice (http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/index.html)
This is a Health Question and Answer site.
Health Resources and Services Administration (http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/)
HRSA-supported health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income.
Health.GOV (http://www.health.gov/)
'www.health.gov is a portal to the Web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other Federal departments and agencies.'
Hill-Burton Facilities - Low Cost Healthcare (http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm)
This is a list of about 300 health care facilities nationwide are obligated to provide free or reduced-cost care to low-income families and individuals. Search the list for your state.
Insure Kids Now (http://www.insurekidsnow.gov)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides free or low-cost health insurance in every state to children in working families. The insurance pays for doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and more. Children that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if their parents are working. Check this site for links to the program in your state, or call 1-877-543-7669.
Mental Health Services Locator (http://www.mentalhealth.org/databases/)
Almost every state has organizations that provide free or low cost counseling services.
Miracle Flights for Kids (http://www.miracleflights.org)
Provides free access to health care for people (especially children) who cannot afford transportation to treatment centers anywhere in America. They are not limited by distance and will use as many flights as necessary to get a sick patient to treatment. Request a flight online, or call 702-261-0494.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (http://www.msfocus.org/programs_events/prog_grants_bwmg.html)
The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is an award of up to $1,000 to provide goods or services that will help improve the quality of life of someone with MS.
National Eye Institute (http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.asp)
Listing of organizations that provide financial aid for eye care.
National Eye Institute (http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.htm)
Federal government assistance programs for eye care.
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (http://www.nfdh.org/)
NFDH is a national charitable organization solely dedicated to meeting the dental needs of citizens with physical, medical, and mental disabilities.
National Hispanic Resource Helpline 1-800-473-3003 (http://www.selfreliancefoundation.org/hotline.htm)
The National Hispanic Resource Helpline is a national information and referral service that provides support for Hispanics throughout the nation who need information about educational, health and human service providers.
Remote Area Medical (http://www.ramusa.org/index.html)
One day free medical, veterniary, vision, and women's health. First come first served basis.
Salvation Army (http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org)
The Salvation Army offers utility bill assistance, emergency food pantry/vouchers, emergency financial assistance, general health screening and assessment, medical referrals and access to medical treatment. Check your local phone listings or this web site.
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law (http://www.povertylaw.org/)
Legal resources for advocates pursuing social and economic justice for poor people.
Susan G. Komen Foundation (http://www.komen.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&ssDocName=Katrina)
Susan G. Komen breast cancer and Katrina-related funding options. Grant information and applications are available at the website.
Women's Health (http://www.hersource.com/breast/03/3d/cdcall.cfm)
Extensive listing of healthcare providers across the US who offer free mammograms and pap tests.
MARYLAND
Annapolis Area Ministries Inc. (http://www.toad.net/~aami)
Provides emergency food, baby food, health kits, diapers, and other items for needy individuals and families. Offers emergency financial assistance for rent, heating and utility service. Also offers information and referral to other community services and pro bono legal services. 206 West Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (Anne Arundel County) 410-263-1835
Helping Other People through Empowerment, Inc. (http://www.hopebaltimore.org)
Resource center for the homeless mentally ill. Telephone usage, showers, washer & dryer, computer access, mailbox system,etc. Mental Health outreach workers and casemangers frequent the center daily to assist with entitlements, housing, substance use and other necessities. Located in downtown Baltimore at 1426 E. Fairmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21231; (410)327-5830; fax (410)327-5834. Email: info@hopebaltimore.org
HopeWell Cancer Support (http://www.hopewellcancersupport.org/)
Provides free support services to cancer patients and their families. Offers support groups, stress reduction and nutrition classes, educational seminars, and special programs for kids and families. Helps people with cancer and their loved ones enhance health and well-being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope. 410-832-2719.
Low Vision Information Center (http://www.lowvisioninfo.org/)
The Low Vision Information Center is a nonprofit organization that helps people with low vision maintain their independence. 301-951-4444
Maryland Housing Assistance (http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/rap/rap.aspx)
Rental Allowance Program (RAP) provides grants to local governments to provide flat rent subsidies to low-income families who either are homeless or have an emergency housing need. The goal of the program is to enable these households to move from homelessness or temporary emergency housing into more permanent housing and to return to self-sufficiency.
MEDBANK of Maryland, Inc. (http://www.medbankmd.org/)
A non-profit organization that provides access to prescription medications for chronically ill, low-income, underinsured/uninsured Maryland residents. MEDBANK assists healthcare providers and patients in completing the paperwork required to enroll patients in Pharmaceutical Company Patient Assistance Programs.
Rebuilding Together *Montgomery County (http://www.rebuildingtogethermc.org/index.html)
Rebuilding Together *Montgomery County will perform home repairs, home modifications and provide referrals to social service providers to address issues surrounding social, financial, mental health, physical health and daily living activities.
Santa Claus Anonymous (http://www.santaclausanonymous.com/)
Provides gift certificates to the parents of underprivileged children for the purpose of providing a joyful holiday season. Serves underprivileged children in Baltimore City and the following counties in Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, and Howard. Receipents who may qualify to receive Santa Claus Anonymous gift certificates must contact their social worker or the Department of Social Services for information.
The Ashley Foundation (http://www.theashleyfoundation.org/)
A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting teens with cancer, their families, friends, and communities. Financial Support to assist Families who otherwise could not afford counseling.
Upper Montgomery Assistance Network (http://www.uman-mc.org/Default.asp)
The Upper Montgomery Assistance Network provides emergency financial assistance, education, and referral services to people in the community who are at risk of homelessness. (301) 926-4422
Women's Housing Coalition (http://www.womenshousing.org/)
The Women's Housing Coalition is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by increasing the quantity and quality of affordable housing and by fostering the economic and social independence of homeless and low income women and their families. 410-235-5782
NOTE- The inclusion of any name or link on this web site is not an endorsement of the organization or its services. This is simply a list providing access to potential resources that may be of use to you or your family.