Specialized Information Sources

The UNM LGBTQ Resource Center serves the UNM community by providing education, advocacy, and support through events, trainings, and student groups. The LGBTQ Resource Center was founded in 2010 by students, staff, faculty, and community members to create a space where the LGBTQIA+ community can thrive. Services include educational programming, counseling, HIV testing, library through the LIBROS system (UNM affiliates only), a lounge area, safer sex resources and safe zone training.

The Native Health Database contains bibliographic information and abstracts of health-related articles, reports, surveys, and other resource documents pertaining to the health and health care of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Canadian First Nations. The database provides information for the benefit, use, and education of organizations and individuals with an interest in health-related issues, programs, and initiatives regarding North American indigenous peoples.

The NM Division of Health Improvement operates in 4 locations across NM with an office in Santa Fe. They are the regulatory entity providing compliance oversight for licensed health facilities e.g. non-long term care, long-term care, assisted living home care and hospice, free standing birth centers, community mental health centers and other facilities. Additionally, they are the regulatory entity providing compliance oversight for the home and community-based Medicaid Waiver providers (e.g. the developmental disabilities waiver, medically fragile waiver and the Mi Via waiver). They conduct investigations of abuse, neglect & exploitation; operate the employee abuse registry (also known as EAR); and operate the Certified Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). They also certify all clinical laboratories operating in New Mexico.

The University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability Information Network Library contains the largest collection of disability-related books, eBooks, and DVDs in the state of New Mexico. Materials are available for check out. People interested in using this resource need to sign up for a CDD Library card. Registration can be done in person, online, or by phone. A patron card will be mailed to the address provided if registration is done online or by phone.

Provides information for people with disabilities who are SSI or SSDI recipients and want to work.

The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.

Services Include:

• Information and resources about kidney disease
• Patient Information Help Line
• Peer mentor support program
• Self management app for food choices

Works to "prevent shaken baby syndrome and promote the well-being of infants generally through the development and implementation of programs, policy and research; and to support and educate families, caregivers and professionals.”

Safeguards the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. As a national federation of state associations, individual members, and organizational and corporate affiliates, the advocacy work includes accessibility, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. Website features advocacy information and resources.

NAD Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) is a four-week intensive educational program for high school students. Camp Taloali, Stayton, Oregon.

Provides information, training, and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21.

Provides mental health information on the following topics: getting help, statistics, clinical trials, outreach, research, opportunities for funding, and labs at NIMH. Provides links to descriptions of clinical trials, related to numerous mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

A national organization of and for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Website provides information about public policy; insurance products information; publications; discussion groups; employment registry; and links to local chapters and related organizations.

Works to cure cystic fibrosis and provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. Conducts research on cystic fibrosis.

The CF Foundation funds research and drug development and provides CF-related resources for families and medical providers.

[https://www.cff.org/Assistance-Services/About-Compass/What-Is-Compass/ Compass] is a personalized one-on-one service to help with the insurance, financial, legal, and other issues faced by people living with CF, their families, and their care teams.

The [https://www.cff.org/ccd/ CF Care Center] finder is a web-based location finder for cystic fibrosis accredited care centers nationwide. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides funding for and accredits more than 110 cystic fibrosis care centers and 55 affiliate programs nationwide, including 96 programs for treating adults with CF.

Provide a “green” way of providing Sign Language interpreting. All that is required is a computer/webcam, access to high speed internet and to download free webconferencing software. The hearing employer, doctor, counselor, school etc., pays for the service to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

computer/webcam based service

Provided advocacy and expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations. A significant Learning Center, Resources, and specifically for Students and Young Adults.

Provided advocacy for the promotion and protection of children's health through fundraising, grantmaking and providing an informed perspective. Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford School of Medicine supports clinical care, research, and education to improve the health of children and expectant mothers, locally and worldwide. Programs include Improving Systems of Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Elevating the Societal Priority of Children, providing wide-ranging, up-to-date data and research by tracking the status of California's children over time through its website, www.kidsdata.org.

A voluntary health agency that works to combat muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and related muscle-debilitating diseases. The organization is committed to finding treatments and cures while providing a comprehensive program to empower families with support to help them thrive and stay independent including summer camps for kids, peer support, equipment resources and more. Related volunteer opportunities available.COVID-19 Update: following all CDC and state guidelines.

• Voluntary Health Organizations
• Assistive Technology Expense Assistance
• Health/Disabilities Related Volunteer Opportunities
• Therapeutic Camps
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Dedicated to improving health care transition supports for youth moving into the adult health care system, offers education, resources, tools, and state policy advocacy for youth, families, providers, and states. The Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition 2.0 define the basic components of health care transition support.

See resources on http://gottransition.org

National state-based database of mental health professionals. Detailed professional listings for Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Therapists, Counselors, Group Therapy and Treatment Centers in the United States and Canada.

Search by city, insurance, issues, sexuality, gender, age, language, faith, types of therapy, online therapy, psychiatrists, treatment centers, and support groups.

Psychology Today's Therapy Directory is run here Sussex Directories.

Provides educational information, resources and inspiring stories for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs as well as healthcare and educational professionals. The digital version and newsletter are available for free, by signing up at www.epmagazine.com (EP for Free). 

The ARCH National Respite Network includes the National Respite Locator, a service to help caregivers and professionals locate respite services in their community, the National Respite Coalition, a service that advocates for preserving and promoting respite in policy and programs at the national, state, and local levels, and the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance Center.

The ARCH National Respite Network includes summer camps for both children and adults with special needs.

A cooperative agreement with the US Administration for Community Living/ Administration on Aging

Provides information, resources and support to those impacted by a child with the anxiety disorder known as Selective Mutism (SM). Provides a network of professionals, families and affected individuals across the world who understand the struggle of living in silence.

SMA Support Groups by State: list of SMA support groups.

Find a Treating Professional: Directory of professionals that have joined the SMA community.

Provides information on caregiver services, policy and research. Search for state-based resources using the Services by State tool.

Provides essential information on costs for thousands of procedures and learn insurance basics. A national independent, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to bring transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through comprehensive data products and consumer resources. Search for medical and dental costs.

Internet-based service

Provides the latest medical information, aggressively funding the most promising research, offering meaningful support, raising public awareness and advocating for all living with Rett syndrome. Lists resources and clinics by state, national resources, and clinical trials. Resources include: Care Guides, Communication, Adaptive Equipment and Funding, School and Day Programs, Adolescence, Planning for the Future. Includes research about the condition and medication trials.

Offers families a direct connection with an experienced, compassionate Peer Support Specialist to help navigate the journey of disease diagnosis, treatment, and management for a child living with a neurologic condition. Includes: Transition of Care, Infantile Spasms Awareness, Respite Care, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, Grants and Scholarships, Webinars

National, web-based locator for services

Provides objective and credible information, advocacy and research for diabetes. Website offers education, legal rights, health insurance, tips for caregivers, etc. Provides camps for children with Type I diabetes and with or at risk of developing Type II diabetes.

Provides support and connections in the myotonic dystrophy community, resources, advocacy, and research toward treatments and a cure.

Services Include:

• A digital library of educational videos
• Study and Trial Resource Center
• Find a doctor nationwide locator
• Support groups, including a virtual group

Provides a resource for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community, and committed to the prevention of prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and other substances known to harm fetal development, and to supporting individuals, families, and communities living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) and other preventable intellectual/ developmental disabilities.

Provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.

A website that provides resources to parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Includes tools to locate pediatricians and pediatric specialists throughout the US.

Connects individuals and families affected by cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial to team care, providing education, and offerings personal support. Awards College scholarships, research grants, and silent auction. Provides patient/family Connections Conferences and 24 hour Cleftline.

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Internet Information Resources
• Disease/Disability Information

Provides health information, education, financial assistance, advocacy, and resources for kidney patients and health care professionals in English and Spanish. Services include disease/disability information, medical care expense assistance, and internet information. Programs for children include the Summer Enrichment Program and the annual Calendar Kids Art Contest.COVID-19 UPDATE: Following all CDC and state guidelines.

• Medical Care Expense Assistance
• Internet Information Resources
• Disease/Disability Information

• Credit Reporting Agencies

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Provides the latest autism science and information, funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cures for autism, awareness of autism spectrum disorders, advocacy for the needs of individuals with autism and their families and an online store. COVID-19 UPDATE: Offering 30+ hours of free online video learning resources; visit website for programming.

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Disease/Disability Information

• Specialized Information and Referral

Provides resources and information to assist caregivers.

• Disease/Disability Information
• Research Funds
• Internet Information Resources
• Specialized Information and Referral
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Supports people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers. Many programs, including support groups, are available through local Epilepsy Foundations, which can be located here.  

Services Include:

• Education materials about epilepsy, types of seizures, triggers, diagnosis, treatment, etc.
• National policy and legal advocacy
• Research and funding
• Public awareness
• Training programs
• 24/7 information helpline
• Kids Crew- for kids ages 14 and under
• Summer Camps

• General Health Insurance Information/Counseling

• Disease/Disability Information
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

• Patient/Family Housing
• Specialized Information and Referral

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Prescription Drug Discount Cards

• Internet Information Resources
• Disease/Disability Information
• Specialized Information and Referral

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Disease/Disability Information
• Internet Information Resources

• Internet Information Resources
• Disease/Disability Information
• Specialized Information and Referral
• Medical Information Services

A program of CHADD providing an online clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information and resources on ADHD through support groups and specialized information and referral.

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Specialized Information and Referral

Provides national resources and information about women’s health as well as an information and referral helpline.

• Specialized Information and Referral

• Clinical Trials
• Specialized Information and Referral
• Disease/Disability Information

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Medical Care Expense Assistance

• Drug Use Disorder Support Groups
• Alcohol Use Disorder Support Groups
• Families/Friends of Individuals With a Drug Use Disorder Support Groups
• Families/Friends of Individuals With an Alcohol Use Disorder Support Groups

Non-profit foundation which promotes the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment, and paralysis. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is staffed with information specialists who can provide individualized support via phone/email on any topic related to paralysis, such as what to expect in rehab, the best equipment exchange programs, peer mentoring, educational materials, etc.

• Specialized Information and Referral

Non-medical information on blindness, and referrals to various sources of help, state services for the blind, and state libraries for the blind.

Resources: Offers a variety of resources, including Job Connection, Blind/Low Vision resources, peer support, and more

Scholarships: Scholarships for freshman, undergraduate, and graduate students. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants need to be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for most scholarships, be a full-time student (as well as students who work 32 or more hours per week and attend college part time), and be involved in their school/local community.

Programs and Services: Audio Description Project, Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Radio, and more.

Provides support to families of children with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and mucolipidosis (ML) diseases through education, fundraising assistance for medical expense assistance, resource guides, and advocacy.

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Dating Abuse Hotlines

Online medical information resource directs to information to help answer health questions. Information on drugs displays an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news. Provides information about conditions including homocystinuria.

Provides information and treatment options for eating disorders.

Confidential Helpline Monday-Thursday (800-931-2237) from 9am to 9pm ET and Friday from 9am to 5pm ET.

24/7 crisis support: text 'NEDA' to 741741

NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation. Offers clinical trials, financial assistance for researchers, health information, and publications.

Provides programs to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through research, education, support and advocacy. The Foundation makes continuous updates to its COVID-19 vaccine and lupus FAQ and COVID-19 and lupus FAQ pages.

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Disease/Disability Information
• Voluntary Health Organizations

Chapter Finder: Find support and connection in your community.

HRSA assures the availability of quality health care to low income, uninsured, isolated, vulnerable, and special needs populations in order to meet their unique health care needs.

[https://bphc.hrsa.gov/ Bureau of Primary Health Care] has information about health center training and funding. There is also a [https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ Health Centers Locator].

Provides information for individuals, families, and professionals regarding heart-related concerns. Includes general health information, information regarding specific conditions, and information about CPR and First Aid training.

The American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org/) is a division of the American Heart Association focused on stroke prevention and treatment.

Provides a national patient hotline for organ transplantation information. Donor cards, booklets, brochures and lists of transplant centers are available. Patient information packets on specific organs are available.

NCHPAD is the premier resource for information on physical activity, health promotion, and disability, serving persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disability across the lifespan. website features a variety of resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations.

Provides advocacy, education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. The Desert Southwest Division serves Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.

Provides awareness, education, and research to support families living with Fragile X. Provides a patient and family registry plus a longitudinal database populated by clinician- and parent-reported data from individuals living with FXS.

A national web-based clearinghouse on post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities. Provides national conferences, training sessions, and workshops, develops training modules, publishes resource papers, fact sheets, directories, and website information, and fosters a network of professionals.

Advocates for the rights of adults and children who have mental disabilities. The Bazelon Center envisions an America where people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities exercise their own life choices and have access to the resources that enable them to participate fully in their communities.

Aims to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school, at work and in life.

Services Include:

• Information and Referral Resources
• Library Services
• Special Education Assessment
• Speech and Language Evaluations
• System Advocacy
• Scholarships for two graduating high school seniors with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD who are pursuing post-secondary education.

Provides general information on child safety and injury prevention. Education materials are available on such topics as car seats inspections, seat belt safety and helmet safety for bicyclists.

Provides critical research into diagnostics, treatments, and cures for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Long Covid and other post-infection diseases.

Provides parents and expectant parents with information about birth defects and support services for their children; a parent-matching program that links families who have children with similar birth defects; sponsors the National Birth Defect Registry, a research project that studies associations between birth defects and exposures to radiation, medication, alcohol, smoking, chemicals, pesticides, lead, mercury, dioxin and other environmental toxins.

Promotes the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information.

Services Include:

• programs and resources
• an adult sibling toolkit
• a family care toolkit
• an Ages & Stages development resource library
• healthcare and medical resources
• outreach and education including the Down Syndrome Summit and Parent Webinars
• policy and advocacy including the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition and a tool kit for self-advocates
• an annual convention that includes a Kids' Camp

Provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that children with disabilities are given full access to quality education, support, and resources.

Services Include:

• Early Intervention
• Early Childhood Education
• Make the First Five Count Childhood Development Screening Tool
• Nationwide Directory for Inclusive Child Care Programs
• Camping and Recreation Programs
• Family Support and Resources
• Transportation Assistance and Support
• Employment and Training
• Financial Capability and Homebuying

Supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

Conducts, fosters, coordinates, and guides research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders and stroke, and supports basic research in related scientific areas. Collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders.

Facilitates support groups for those with hereditary and sporadic ataxia. The Foundation also provides information about ataxia, current research activities and
a listing of neurologists in the United States who see patients with ataxia.

Family Support Centers/Outreach
Information and Referral
Support Groups

The primary professional organization in this specialized area, encouraging equipment development to maximize the transportation options for persons with disabilities. To find a driver rehabilitation specialist in or near your area, please visit our website.

Driving Safety Education

Seeks to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and reducing infant mortality. Campaigns for Healthier Babies, which includes programs of research, community service, education and advocacy.

Dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington's disease. From community services and education to advocacy and research.

Services Include:

• Information and Referral
• Library Services
• Peer Counseling

Supporting treatment and research for familial dysautonomia. FD is a hereditary disease of the sensory and autonomic nervous systems.

Information and Referral
Library Services

Provides ongoing peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy to heart patients and their families. Local chapter locator available on website.

Services Include:

• peer support and education
• education resources
• hospital outreach
• CHD awareness
• community health education
• online community
• advocacy

Provides information, advocacy, research, and referrals for individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families. Website includes a locator for local chapters, doctors, resources, and events.

Provides the public with access to current, reliable, and easy-to-understand information about rare or genetic disease. In addition to website-based information you may contact a GARD Information Specialist. Also, GARD develops guides with tips on general topics, important resources, and answers to questions that patients, their families, and friends often ask us.

GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and is funded by two parts of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NCATS and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

Provides of informational materials on spondylitis.

Services Include:

• Find a Rheumatologist Directory
• Accessibility Information
• Support Groups

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Internet Information Resources
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Provides awareness for support, education and research.
Provides educational and emotional support, stimulates and support research designed to identify the cause and cure for scleroderma, and improve methods of treatment; and enhances the public's awareness of this disease.
Chapters and Support Groups may be located in Resources.

The Center for Disease and Control national coronavirus website provides up-to-date information about the coronavirus, including prevention, preparedness, travel restrictions, and response including stimulus payments.For those experiencing symptoms or who are concerned about exposure to the virus, please call local coronavirus information lines and/or telehealth lines.

• COVID-19 Control
• Temporary Financial Assistance

• Infertility Support Groups
• Specialized Information and Referral

General vaccine information and finder.

FAQs about vaccines, including general vaccine safety, and specific vaccines.

Find Vaccine: Locate vaccines by type and location. Call first to schedule an appointment and verify vaccine supplies.

Project of:

• Boston Children's Hospital
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Harvard Medical School
• HealthMap

Provides and online resources for coping with body-focused repetitive behaviors (like hair pulling and skin picking). Website is designed for those with these behaviors, family members, medical and mental health professionals, and others interested in learning about this often-misunderstood disorder.

Services Include:

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Therapist Directory
• Support Group

The National Caregivers Library contains online information and resources to assist caregivers and seniors with useful forms, checklists, and topic-specific external resources. The resources are made available at no cost through alliances with professionals, businesses, and other agencies serving seniors and their caregivers with a variety of services.

• Specialized Information and Referral

Internet resource

Improves the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in partnership with the medical community through the work of volunteer attorneys.

Local programs can be identified using Directory of Programs.

Provides a basic guide for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities and special needs.