H O T L I N E S Information in these listings was obtained by sending $1.00 to: Public Citizen Hotlines P.O. Box 19404 Washington, D.C. 20036 ABORTION HOTLINE/NATIONAL ABORTION FEDERATION 1-800-772-9100 Counseling and medical guidelines for quality abortion care and referrals to member clinics. AIDS HOTLINE 1-800-342-AIDS Recorded message explains symptoms, means of transmission and high risk categories; gives address for brochure, "Facts About AIDS," and other publications. ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION 1-800-621-0379 Sends free literature on Alzheimer's disease and refers callers to local chapters. AMC CANCER INFORMATION 1-800-525-3777 Information on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; free professional counselling of patients, family members and friends, to help callers cope with life-threatening illness; sends free literature. AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 1-800-424-8666 Information and referrals to low-vision clinics, rehabilitation organizations, government agencies, and other sources. AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND 1-800-638-8299 Assists kidney patients who are unable to pay treatment costs; also information on kidney-related diseases and donating an organ. BETTER HEARING INSTITUTE 1-800-424-8576 Trade association provides information about hearing loss, noise pollution, and doctors and hearing aid specialists in caller's local area; helps resolve consumer complaints. BOAT SAFETY 1-800-368-5647 Coast Guard hotline receives reports on hazardous equipment and provides safety and recall information on types of boats. BOAT/U.S. FOUNDATION 1-800-336-BOAT Information on nearest boating safety classes available free to the public. CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE 1-800-4-CANCER Offers information about cancer treatment and research to the public, physicians, cancer patients, and their families. All calls confidential. CHILD FIND 1-800-431-5005 Accepts calls from child victims of abduction by a parent or stranger; receives reports regarding citing and location of missing children; helps find children for a fee. CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND 1-800-424-9602 Information, statistics and resources on child abuse, health and welfare, foster care, adolescent pregnancy, education, etc. CIVIL RIGHTS HOTLINE 1-800-368-1019 Accepts calls regarding discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap or age occurring in Health & Human Services programs; e.g., in admission, service or access in hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers or state health care assistance. CIVITEX, CIVIC INFORMATION & TECHNIQUES EXCHANGE 1-800-223-6004 Database collects and provides information on innovations and techniques used by citizen groups to address local problems; helps callers share and learn about methods of financing, advocacy, volunteer recruitment, leadership trainint, organizational structure, etc. CONSERVATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INQUIRY AND REFERRAL SERVICE 1-800-523-2929 Information about conservation, solar enregy and other renewable energy sources, including wind, photo-voltaic, biomass, alcohol fuels, hydroelectric and ocean thermal. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 1-800-638-CPSC Receives reports on injuries/deaths from hazardous manufactured products; helps consumers evaluate safety of commercial products. COOP AMERICA 1-800-424-9711 Information on worker-owned and cooperatively structured Major Medical health insurance plans, on socially responsible investment funds and a mail order catalog service for products sold by progressive companies. CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION 1-800-638-8815 Sends information about Cystic Fibrosis and available services. FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOTLINE 1-800-424-8590 Accepts complaints on discrimination in housing, based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. FEDERAL CRIME INSURANCE HOTLINE 1-800-638-8780 Information and applications for federally-subsidized crime insurance for homes and businesses in participating states; assists individuals denied burglary/robbery insurance. FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION 1-800-424-5488 Information on Truth-In-Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other banking laws; handles banking complaints. FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 1-800-424-9530 Explains fundraising regulations applying to federal office candidates; administers public funding of Presidential elections; financial records of federal candidates available from Public Records Division. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION 1-800-424-1040 Internal Revenue Service answers federal tax questions; helps set up installment agreements for those who cannot afford to meet payments in lump sum; resolves problems with W-2 forms and sends other tax forms; directs callers to free tax preparation classes during filing season; low income and elderly callers can obtain volunteer help preparing tax forms year-round. GAY 800 1-800-223-7030 Referrals for the gay community to attorneys, doctors, dentists, accountants, counselors, and other professionals and businesses in the caller's area. HEARING AID HELPLINE 1-800-521-5247 Trade association answers questions about hearing loss, hearing aids and assistive devices; sends free consumer kit; helps consumers resolve problems with hearing aid transactions; does not recommend products or quote prices. HEARTLIFE 1-800-241-6993 Information about heart disease, pacemakers, medication, nutrition and exercise; membership in organization includes prescription drug discount program. HILL-BURTON FREE HOSPITAL CARE 1-800-638-0742 Sends information to callers about free care in hospitals and other health facilities; including list of facilities in caller's local area that participate in program, and brochure describing eligibility guidlines; advises callers on how to file a complaint about the program. INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE 1-800-221-4954 Trade association explains types of coverage; gives pointers on how to shop for auto, homeowner, property, casualty and commercial insurance; does not provide specific company or price comparison information. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1-800-424-9100 Information on free programs, books and equipment available on loan to eligible blind and physically handicapped individuals; refers callers to regional libraries. LIFELINE SYSTEMS 1-800-451-0525 Information on emergency telephone system for elderly and handicapped people to maintain a direct line to local hospitals; monthly fee for service; waivers granted by some hospitals. MAGAZINE ACTION LINE 1-800-645-9242 Publisher's Clearinghouse helps those with subscription complaints (e.g., magazine arrives late or billing is incorrect); will contact appropriate publisher and request assistance. MAJOR APPLIANCE CONSUMER ACTION PANEL (MACAP) 1-800-621-0477 Helps consumers of kitchen and laundry appliances, air conditioners, etc. resolve complaints if they have been unable to get satisifaction from the manufacturer. Independent mediation panel offers nonbinding decision; hotline supplies MACAP address for written inquiries; funded by industry. MEDIC ALERT FOUNDATION 1-800-344-3226 Maintains computerized files of individuals' medical records for a fee; provides identification bracelet or necklace and wallet card with 24-hour phone number to call in emergency to obtain records of medications taken, those to avoid, hidden medical conditions, allergies, doctor to contact, etc. MISSING CHILDREN NETWORK HOTLINE 1-800-235-3535 Works with television stations and 20 nonprofit missing children organizations to brodcast reports and assist parents in locating a child; 24-hour service sponsored by affiliated television stations. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPEECH & HEARING ACTION 1-800-638-TALK Information on all communication handicaps, advocacy activity and membership services; sends list of clinics, private practitioners, schools, hospitals and other sources of help in caller's community. NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN 1-800-843-5678 Clearinghouse for reports of missing children and child exploitation in crime rings, prostitution or poronography. NATIONAL CENTER FOR STUTTERING 1-800-221-2483 Free information for parents of young children who stutter; treatment workshops (for a fee) for older children and adults who stutter, and training sessions for therapists on the latest techiniques. NATIONAL CENTER ON INSTITUTIONS & ALTERNATIVES 1-800-368-3162 Develops alternative sentencing recommendations and parole plans for individual clients on a sliding fee basis; plans designed to address concerns of the community, clients and victims. NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-422-4453 Child Help USA accepts crisis calls from victims and perpetrators of child abuse; referrals to local reporting agencies and counseling facilities; 24-hour service. NATIONAL COCAINE HOTLINE 1-800-COC-AINE Referrals to hospitals, counseling centers and doctors specializing in cocaine treatment. NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY 1-800-221-4602 Answers questions and sends information on Down Syndrome; refers callers to resources in their communities. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE HOTLINE 1-800-638-6620 Information on federally-subsidized flood insurance for residents of participating communities. NATIONAL GAY TASK FORCE CRISISLINE 1-800-221-7044 Victim assistance and incident reporting for acts of anty-gay and anti-lesbian violence; offers counseling to gay and lesbian youth, their families and friends; referrals to support groups and local AIDS clinics. NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE 1-800-336-4797 Information or referrals to other sources to answer health and disease- related questions. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 1-800-424-9393 Receives reports on auto safety problems; provides information on autos recalled and safety complaints received about specific makes and models; also has information on child car seats, drunk driving, crash testing, gas mileage, odometer readings and other subjects. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE 1-800-638-2045 Information and techinical assistance to schools, community and parent organizations for developing drug abuse prevention programs; does not accept crisis calls or provide medical information. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIMANTS REPRESENTATIVES 1-800-431-2804 Provides addresses of attorneys in caller's area who specialize in claims against the Social Security Administration; most member attorneys work on contingency basis. NATIONAL PESTICIDE TELLECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK 1-800-858-7378 Information on health hazards of pesticides, safety precautions, how to obtain laboratory analysis for a fee to determine toxicity levels in soil samples, garments, carpets, etc.; 24-hour service connects callers to human and animal poison control centers. NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1-800-424-8802 Coast Guard receives reports of oil and toxic chemical spills on highways, waterways, rail lines, etc. NATIONAL RP FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS 1-800-638-2300 Information on Retinitis Pigmentosa and other inherited retinal degeneration; operates donor program and young adult experience sharing program; referrals to low-vision specialists and research centers for diagnostic evaluation. NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD 1-800-621-4000 Advisory services to runaways and parents on a 24-hour, confidential, free basis; relays messages; helps runaways find shelter (note: line often busy). NEW DAY CENTERS 1-800-447-5471 Referrals to New Day Centers in 8 states for treatment of alcoholism and other substance abuse, for a fee (may be covered by insurance); a service of Adventist Health System. NUCLEAR TESTING PERSONNEL RESEARCH 1-800-336-3068 Information on atmospheric weapons testing; collects data from those who participated in nuclear weapons tests in Nevada or Marshall Islands from 1945 to 1962, or who went into the Hiroshima or Nagasaki areas within three months of the nuclear bombings. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) 1-202-523-8148 Refers callers to appropriate local OSHA offices, some of which have toll free numbers; those offices investigate employee complaints about work related accidents or dangerous working conditions; provide information on OSHA standards and answer employee inquiries. Check U.S. government telephone listing for your area or call above number. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL COUNSEL, MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 1-800-872-9855 Investigates and prosecutes violations of Cevil Service laws, including whistleblower reprisal and unfair promotion preference; receives reports of fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement within all federal agencies. OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER LIAISON 1-800-424-8867 Information on grants available to nonprofit organizations and state offices operating volunteer programs or compiling volunteer manuals and other techinical assistance material; explains President's Volunteer Action Awards Program and National Volunteer Week. PARENTS ANONYMOUS 1-800-421-0353 Self-help program for people who feel they may abuse children. During a crisis, hotline connects caller immediately to a professional counselor. Children and others concerned about child abuse can also obtain counsel. PETFINDERS 1-800-223-4747 Information on identification service for pets; maintains records of animal's medical history and pet owner's phone number for a membership fee; provides serialized I.D. tag with Petfinder's number to call if pet is found or in an accident, and will notify owner in that event; will arange for veterinarian or kennel care if owner cannot be reached. PRIDE ACTION 1-800-241-7946 Information on drug abuse and effects of specific drugs; directs callers to private and government sponsored treatment centers; advice on starting a youth or parent group and films on drug abuse available. RCRA/SUPERFUND HOTLINE 1-800-424-9346 Information and brochures on regulations governing hazardous waste; explains details of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act; referrals to regional EPA offices. RECORDING FOR THE BLIND, INC. 1-800-221-4792 Provides free cassettes of educational textbooks and consumer publications to eligible visually, physically and perceptually handicapped individuals; information on volunteer program for helping record tapes. RUNAWAY HOTLINE 1-800-231-6946 Accepts calls from runaways and forwards messages to parents; offers confidential, 24-hour message relay service; referrals for medical assistance, shelter, aid for those involved with drugs or pregnancy, and other couseling services; explains how runaways can get a free bus ride home. SECOND OPINION HOTLINE FOR NON-EMERGENCY SURGERY 1-800-638-6833 Free referrals to specialists to double-check advice before an operation (the fee for this second opinion may be covered by insurance). For brochure, 'Thinking of Having Surgery?' write to: Surgery, HHS, Washington, D.C. 20201 SHRINERS HOSPITAL REFERRAL LINE 1-800-237-5055 Information on free care available in 22 hospitals for children who need orthopedic or burn treatment. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ANSWER DESK 1-800-368-5855 Advice to business owners and potential owners on starting a business, financing it, overcoming problems and contracting with the government. SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICE HOTLINE 1-800-424-5201 Information about Export-Import programs; facilitates export financing. SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION 1-800-621-3141 Information for people with spina bifida, their parents, health professionals and others; referrals to local chapters. TELE-CONSUMER HOTLINE 1-800-332-1124 Answers questions on long-distance options and service, telephone equipment and repairs, ways to cut costs, and where to get help resolving billing problems. THE LIVING BANK 1-800-528-2971 Texas call collect: 713-528-2971 Information and registry for people to donate their organs, tissues, bones or bodies for transplantation or research. TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT HOTLINE 1-800-424-9065 Information on Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates several toxics including PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), CFCs (chlorofluorcarbons), asbestos, and dioxin. V.D. HOTLINE 1-800-227-8922 Confidential, anonymous, free consultation, information and clinic referral services on all aspects of sexually transmitted diseases (note: line often busy). VETERANS ADMINISTRATION 1-800-555-1212 Information to veterans and their dependents about benefits, including GI loans, education, insurance, disability compensation, medical care, dental treatment and employment. Check U.S. government telephone listing for your area or call toll free directory assistance for the nearest regional office. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SUPPLY DEPOT 1-800-323-0238 Takes requests by patients who have been recently discharged form VA hospitals for bed, mattress, and wheelchair on a loan basis. VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA 1-800-424-7275 Information and referrals for questions about claims and benefits, agent orange, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other matters. VOLUNTEER HOTLINES 1-800-424-8580 Information about volunteer opportunities in domestic and foreign social service. For Older American Volunteer Programs (Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion, and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs) 202-634-9355 ext 239 Peace Corps (How to volunteer) 202-254-9814 ext 293 Peace Corps (Job opportunities for ex-volunteers) 202-254-8326 ext 284 Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) 202-634-9445 ext 289 WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION 1-800-227-3988 Answers questions about women's sports and fitness matters, including pregnancy and exercise, history of women's sports, where to get involved, and internship program; promotes sports opportunities for and participation by girls and women. Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253