Medical Specific Organizations

Non-Profit Disease Support Organizations
Each illness has its own medical specialists. Ask your primary care physician for referrals to specialists for accurate diagnosis, treatment plans and ongoing health care. Most illnesses have medically focused organizations that offer practical support and advocate on behalf of those with a diagnosis.
Below we list a range of organizations that provide supports in the Montgomery County region and/or via telephone or online.

The National Health Council maintains an extensive list of disease support organizations, click here


A

Alzheimer's Association - National Capital Region Chapter 
24/7 HelpLine 1800-272-3900
https://www.alz.org/nca
The Alzheimer's Association provides numerous caregiver education, support groups, Memory CafĂ©’s, care consultations and other supports throughout the county at various days and times. They offer no cost access to information and resources through their web site, professionally-staffed 24/7 helpline, with interpretation services in more than 200 languages.


Alzheimer's and Dementia Diseases
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. While dementia is more common as people grow older, it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills.

NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 
1-800-438-4380 (toll-free)
adear@nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.


Asthma
Click to view American Lung Association. Has all information in Spanish. Discusses all diseases and issues related to lung disorders.
Click to view a list of online free support groups for persons with lung disorders and their families.
Click to view Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.


Autism
Click to learn about Autism services in Montgomery County Schools.
Click to view Potomac Community Resources. Numerous local links for children, teens, families and adults with disabilities including Autism.
Click to view information from the Center of Disease Control about early childhood detection of disabilities. Multiple parent resources in many languages. Offers free materials for developmental monitoring.
Click to view information from the National Autism Association. Offers information, free resources, support, and research for families caring for children/adults within the Autism spectrum.
Click to view the National Institute of Health. Fact sheets on Autism Spectrum Disorders and multiple resources for families.


B

Brain Injury Support Group of Rockville
As a partnership between Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland and TLC’s Outcomes Service, brain injury survivors, caregivers and their families meet twice monthly to exchange information and offer support. Meeting place:
Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital
9909 Medical Center Drive Rockville, Maryland 20850
Contact: Tom Wilkinson 301-294-9205 ext. 6915


C

Cerebral Palsy
Click to learn about Cerebral Palsy Daily Living. Journal and resources for parents and caregivers of children and with cerebral palsy.
Click to view information from the Centers of Disease Control.
Resources for Children:
Click here to view Medline: Articles and resources for children and youth in English and Spanish.
Click to view My Child Without Limits: Resources for families with children 0-5 years.
Click here to view The National Information Center on Children and Youth with Disabilities. Fact sheets on CP with information and tips for parents and teachers.
Click here to view Reaching for the Stars: The only non-profit pediatric CP foundation in the US led by parents. Committed to advocacy, education, and driving research to serve the needs of children with CP and the individuals involved in their care.
Resources for Adults:
Click here to view Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology Journal: Articles based on a workshop exploring the unique challenges experienced by adults with CP.
Click here to view Easter Seals Adult and Senior Services Program: Provides a variety of home and community-based services affording adults and senior opportunities to live, learn, work, and play as a vital part of their own community or neighborhood.
Click here to view Easter Seals of Maryland: Offers local meetings, respite, and support, activities for all ages
Click here to view The Arc of Maryland: A community based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This can be relevant to adults with CP.

CPR
Free Resources for Families.
Click to view Montgomery County Cert Training CPR for friends and family. Register for classes.


Chronic Illness Support Group
Second Thursday of every month 4:00 to 5:00pm. Many people live with chronic illness, such as diabetes, COPD, CHF/heart disease, stroke, kidney disease/ESRD, or sickle cell anemia. Chronic illnesses can affect all aspects of one’s life and dealing with it can become very challenging. Through support and education Ali Karpa CRNP, a cardiovascular nurse practitioner at MedStar Montgomery Medical center will lead a monthly support Group to discuss issues faced by those and their family who live with chronic illnesses. The goal is to assist patients and their loved ones in identifying and coping with these issues. Walk-ins welcome. Location: Medstar Health, 3305 North Leisure World Blvd, Silver spring, Md 20906. To register, call 301-774-8881. 


D

Resources for the Deaf
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
3417 Volta Place, NW Washington, DC 20007 
202-337-5220 (V) 202-337-5221 (TTY) 
E-mail: info@agbell.org www.agbell.org 
Helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society. Offer financial assistance for hearing technology, parent and infant financial aid for families of infants and toddlers under the age of 4 who have been diagnosed with a moderately severe to severe-toprofound hearing loss, and college scholarship programs for full-time students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Free membership to the AG Bell Community for families, adults and children with hearing loss. Membership includes a subscription to a quarterly magazine, weekly email newsletters, the Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) program, resources for families, and financial and advocacy guidance.

DeafHealth.org 
www.deafhealth.org 
Provide health education videos for the deaf and hard of hearing in their preferred language. Also maintain a database of deaf-friendly doctors.

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services www.dors.maryland.gov 
  • Germantown Office  - 20010 Century Boulevard, Suite 400 Germantown, MD 20874 
  • 301-601-1500 (V) 301-200-8083 (Videophone) 
  • E-mail: germantown.dors@maryland.gov 
  • Wheaton Office - Westfield South Office 11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite 605 Wheaton, MD 20902 
  • 301-949-3750 (V) 301-200-8090 (Videophone) 
  • E-mail: wheaton.dors@maryland.gov 
Offer programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work or stay independent in their homes and communities. Also offer specialized services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing such as audiological evaluation and assessment, assistive devices, telecommunication devices, speech and language therapy, and interpreter services. 


Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 
200 Wood Hill Road Rockville, MD 20850 
301-838-4200 (V) 
www.jssa.org/get-help/individuals-with-specialneeds/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-services/ 
Provide counseling and care management services for children, teens and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing. Specialized programs include: individual, family and group counseling for all ages, case management services, psychiatric evaluations and medication management, career and employment services, workshops and support groups, community education and advocacy, and referrals to other community resources. JSSA clinical social workers, therapists and supported employment specialists are fluent in ASL.

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center 
Gallaudet University - 800 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 
202-651-5855 (V/TTY) 
E-mail: clerc.center@gallaudet.edu www3.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center.html 
Centralized source of accurate, objective information provides information, training, and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children. The work of the Clerc Center is guided by the Education of the Deaf Act, which sets forth our mission: To raise the achievement of deaf and hard of hearing students ages birth-21 nationwide by supporting the families and professionals who work with these students. This support is in turn guided by public input gathered from educators, professionals, and families working with deaf and hard of hearing children. Info To Go collects, develops and disseminates informational materials on communication, education, parenting, organizations, services/programs, and more. All of the informational materials are available to download, free of charge.

Library Services for People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Montgomery County Public Libraries 
240-777-0001 (V) 240-777-0902 (TTY) 
Email: MCPL.DeafAccess@montgomerycountymd.gov http://montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/deaf 
Library and literacy services are available to the deaf and hard of hearing community through a wide range of materials, library programs and telecommunication services. Many books closed captioned videos or DVDs, and periodicals about deaf culture, hearing loss, deaf history, and communication options can be borrowed from the Rockville Memorial Library or another Montgomery County library branch. Items can be sent to other libraries for pick up. At the Rockville Memorial Library, books, magazines, and videos or DVDs for parents, teachers, and childcare providers are available on the first floor in the Children’s Resource Collection. Materials related to employment, rehabilitation, and coping with adult onset deafness or other disabilities can be found on the second floor of the Rockville Memorial Library. MCPL offers services that make library programs accessible to its deaf and hard of hearing customers: • Interpreting Services: Montgomery County Public Libraries has a contract through Montgomery County Government to provide sign language or oral interpreting or cued speech transliteration services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals for all library sponsored programs. Five (5) work days notice is requested. Complete the interpreter request form. • Sign-Interpreted Programs: 
You may check on the availability of a list of sign-interpreted library programs by contacting the Coordinator of Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. • Hearing Assistive Technology: Audio induction loop, a hearing assistive technology, are available in library meeting rooms that can be used during a library-sponsored program. When you request the audio loop, a microphone will then be reserved. 
To make this arrangement, contact the library three (3) workdays in advance. • Videophones: Three Video Phone Booths have been installed. They are available at the Germantown Library, the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Library.

Montgomery County Association for Hearing-impaired Children (MCAHIC), Inc. 
P. O. Box 6610 Silver Spring, MD 20916 
E-mail: contactmcahic@gmail.com 
www.mcahicmd.org 
All-volunteer organization dedicated to encouraging the educational development and achievement of our deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Forum for disseminating and exchanging information on educational, developmental, and social issues affecting deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Organization composed of parents, students, relatives, friends and educators who want to work together to make a difference.

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820 Silver Spring, MD 20910 
301-587-1788 (V / Videophone - ZVRS) 301-328-1443 (V / Videophone – Sorenson) 301-338-6380 (V / Videophone – Convo) 301-453-2390 (V / Videophone – Purple) 301-587-1789 (TTY) 
E-mail: NAD.info@nad.org www.nad.org 
Private, nonprofit organization representing the interest and rights of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact NAD for information on legal assistance, public policy on deafness and disabilities, and referrals to products that assist people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) National Institutes of Health 
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320 Bethesda, MD 20892-2320 
1-800-241-1044 (Toll Free) 1-800-241-1055 (TTY) 
E-mail: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov www.nidcd.nih.gov 
Conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Calls are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time. Bilingual information specialists are available during these hours to assist you in locating relevant health information in English or Spanish. 

Montgomery County's Commission on People with a Disability
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/CPWD/CPWDIndex.html
The Commission advises the County government on the coordination and development of policies for people with disabilities. The County Executive appoints Commission members subject to confirmation by the County Council. The Commission advises the County Executive and the County Council on the needs and concerns of the County's residents who have psychiatric, developmental, physical or sensory disabilities.



E

EveryMind
301-424-0656
every-mind.org/
EveryMind provides programs and services that comfort, empower, help, and heal in cases of mental illness. EveryMind has an array of programs that support caregivers, including: Housing Initiative Program, Service Coordination Support Services, Counseling, Friendly Visitor, Money Management.


F
Family Hearing Center The Treatment and Learning Center 
Susan Yaffe Oziel, Director 
2092 Gaither Road, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850 
301-738-1415 (V) 301-424-5203 (TTY) 
E-mail: syaffe-oziel@ttlc.org www.ttlc.org/family_hearing_center 
Serve all ages, from newborn infants to seniors. Offer individual recommendations and counseling for hearing aids and hearing aid fittings based on communication needs. Hearing aid services include: digital hearing aid technology and devices; free consultations and hearing aid demonstrations; electroacoustic hearing aid analysis; demonstration and sales of hearing aid accessors and assistive listening devices; trial period with all new hearing aids; and a walk-in clinic for hearing aid problems most Fridays 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Offer a full range of hearing services including: newborn and pediatric hearing testing; adult testing; team testing (difficult-to-test children and adults); otoacoustic emissions; auditory processing disorder evaluation; and bilingual testing (Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic). 
Screenings can be scheduled at senior centers, schools, childcare centers, and places of employment through community screenings and education program. Educational talks on hearing loss, coping strategies and hearing aid technology can also be presented to an organization or group. Help Others Hear program provides free hearing aids to children and adults who could not otherwise afford them.


H

Hope Connections for Cancer Support
301-634-7500
hopeconnectionsforcancer.org/
Hope Connections for Cancer Support helps people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of cancer through professionally facilitated programs of emotional support, education, wellness and hope – all provided free of charge.


M

(855) 397-9505
The Mesothelioma Center is a 100% free resource and service center for sufferers of mesothelioma and their families. These free resources include 1-1 consultation with their expert Patient Advocates, who will assist through the patient's journey and help them find local treatment centers and support groups.
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Due to the long latency period of mesothelioma, approximately 20-50 years, about 80% of those who are diagnosed with this terrible disease are seniors. The Mesothelioma Center works 1-on-1 with these individuals to help them find local doctors, treatment centers, and support groups. All of resources and services are always completely free.
asbestos.com/mesothelioma/


Multiple Sclerosis
Click to view Montgomery Multiple Sclerosis Center located in Rockville. 301-838-9555. Includes lectures that can be listened to online. Information to help children of parents with MS. Offers services for people with MS.
Click to view supports in Greater DC/Maryland. Multiple resources and free brochures for families needing support.
Click to view resources from the US National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus.
Click to view information regarding African Americans with MS. 

N


NAMI
(The National Alliance on Mental Illness – Montgomery County)
301-949-5852
namimc.org/
NAMI provides comprehensive support and education for caregivers and those experiencing illness. They also advocate and promote public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

P


Parkinson’s Foundation, National Capital Area
301-844-6510 or 703-734-1017
parkinsonfoundation.org/
The Parkinson’s Foundation local chapter improves the quality of life of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and families. PFNCA offers exercise, communication and education programs to strengthen the physical and emotional health of people impacted by Parkinson’s.

S

Smoke Alarm Program – Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services 
311 (in County) 
www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe 
Residents of Montgomery County may request a free home safety visit. The installation of free alarms is targeted to high risk individuals that include older people and senior citizens, individuals with mobility, vision or hearing impairments and residents who may have a disability or be economically challenged. Specially designed visual smoke alarms are available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additional alarms must be purchased. If you rent, please first ask your landlord to install a smoke alarm. Also conduct home safety evaluations and identify fire safety and injury issues.

Local Spinal Cord Inquiry Supports
Determined2Heal helps simplify the transition into life with paralysis.
8112 River Falls Dr, Rockville, MD 20854
Tel: 703-795-5711 · Fax:
http://www.determined2heal.org

Spinal Cord Injury Network of Metropolitan Washington The mission of the Spinal Cord Injury Network (SCI Network) is to provide support and services to people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairing conditions, and to their families and friends.
14 Wolf Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Tel: (240) 429-7131 · Fax: (703) 525-3268
http://www.spinalcordinjury.net

National Spinal Cord Injury Association 6701 Democracy Blvd. #300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
info@spinalcord.org http://www.spinalcord.org Tel: 800-962-9629
Fax: 301-963-1265

UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION: SPINAL CORD RESOURCE CENTER
https://askus-resource-center.unitedspinal.org/?pg=kb.printer.friendly&id=9

Johns Hopkins Medicine - Spinal Cord Injury Fact Sheethttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/acute-spinal-cord-injury. Information about spinal cord injuries and tips for caregivers.


Stroke Comeback Center (various locations) 
301-681-6272
strokecomebackcenter.org
The dual mission of the Montgomery County Stroke Association is to offer helpful information and caring support to stroke survivors and their family caregivers, and to promote stroke awareness in the community.

Stroke/CVA
Click here to view Montgomery County Stroke Association: Free information and support for stroke survivors and caregivers. To join MCSA is free. There is a monthly newsletter with community events, local support groups, health fairs, and stroke research projects. Call 301-681-6272. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Click here to view American Stroke Association - 888-4-STROKE. Maintains a list of stroke clubs and support groups throughout the United States
Click here to view The Well Spouse Foundation - 800-838-0879
Click here to view National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Click here to view the National Stroke Association 
Click here to view the The Internet Stroke Center

Local Programs
Click to view Holy Cross Adult Day Care Caregiver Resource Center - 301-754-7152
Click to view Jewish Council for the Aging Caregiver Support Group - 301-468-1740
Click to view Circle of Rights, Inc. - 301-948-5818
Click to view Montgomery County Stroke Association - 301-681-6272
Click to view National Alliance on Caregiving202-918-1013
Click here to view Upper County Branch of the Montgomery County Stroke Club - 301-869-1580
Widowed Persons Service of Silver Spring - 301-949-7398 
Click to view Widow Care
Click to view JSSA Bereavement
Click to view Montgomery Hospice Bereavement


V

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program 
202-745-8000 x 57797 
The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides resources, education and support to caregivers of Veterans. The Veteran does not need to have a service-connected condition, for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era. Caregivers who enroll in PGCSS have access to education and training, including courses at local VA medical centers (VAMCs). In addition, caregivers can participate in support services and take advantage of VA home and community-based care

Montgomery County MD Veterans Network Directory
Go to www.cargiver.va.gov  In addition, go to Caregiver Supports listed in the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs Veterans Network Directory for more information www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vnd