Overlake Medical Library
Associations & Organizations

Our Featured Site
National Associations (Disease, Research, & Assistance)
Professional Organizations (Medical)
Professional Organizations (Nursing & Allied Health)
International Resources
Internet Search Tools


Our Featured Site

National Alliance for Caregiving   
Established in 1996, The National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving.



The following is a selected list of homepages of associations & organizations that provide provide specific disease, research, and assistance information.

National Associations (Disease, Research, & Assistance)

Alzheimer's Association
Links to caregiver resources, news, medical & research development, public policy information & related resources.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
You'll find links to many informational sites from this professional medical association. One great feature is the
Finding a Sleep Center page.

American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Information about the association and its activities, as well as links to information about CFS.
American Association of Poison Control Centers
A nationwide organization of poison centers; to find one in your area, check out the
Poison Center Directory.
American Brain Tumor Association
Funds brain tumor research and provides the information patients need to make educated decisions.
American Cancer Society
Fact sheets, statistics, etc from the American Cancer Society.
American Diabetes Association
Links to recommendations and patient education information, diabetes education programs. Site is searchable by state and topic.
American Foundation for the Blind
Information resources, fact sheets, press releases, Helen Keller photographs & biography, and more.
American Heart Association
Guidelines and fact sheets, including "Heart Disease & Stroke Guide."
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
Founded in 1982, AICR supports research into the role of diet and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
American Liver Foundation
Provides information about liver in health and disease, research funding, and patient related information.
American Lung Association
Consumer site "designed to give you easy access to information on a variety of lung health issues, including asthma, asthma and children, smoking and tobacco control, lung disease and related diseases, lung health for diverse communities, and environmental health."
American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc.
Information about the Foundation and its activities, as well as links to information about Lyme Disease.
American Obesity Association
This national organization is the only obesity organization focused on changing public policy and perceptions about obesity as it re-conceptualizes obesity as a disease while fashioning strategies to deal with this growing epidemic.
American Red Cross
Information about the Red Cross, including its services and opportunites to be involved.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association
Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, this is the national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.
Arthritis Foundation Home Page
Fact sheets, news releases, resource room and links to other sources.
Autism Society of America
Serving the needs of indviduals with autism and their families through research, education, and advocacy with local chapter referral.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD, a national non-profit organization representing individuals with AD/HD, for education, advocacy and support.

Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America
The most comprehensive information about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the Internet.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
A resource of information with links to local CF chapters.
Epilepsy Foundation of America
Working for children and adults affected by seizures wholly dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy.
Family Caregiver Alliance   
An information resource on long-term care.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Aims to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher Syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.
Hospice Association of America
Representing more than 2,800 hospices and thousands of caregivers and volunteers who serve terminally ill patients and their families.
Huntington's Disease Society of America
Provides vital services, support, and guidance for HD families through a national network of volunteer-based chapters and affiliates.
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food safety & nutrition information, information for educators and links to additional sources of information.
International Myeloma Foundation
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for multiple myeloma patients while working towards prevention and a cure.
International Radiosurgery Support Association
Dedicated to providing educational information on: Gamma Knife Surgery, Linac Radiosurgery, IMRT, and other specialized radiation treatments to patients, physicians, and others.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Formerly known as The Leukemia Society of America, it provides links to information on leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma.
Lupus Foundation of America
Extensive site containing information on chapters, current Information, FAQ's, and links to other authoratiative sites.
Macular Degeneration Partnership
Provides comprehensive, easily understood and up to the minute information about macular degeneration to the public through the Internet, telephone, public events and printed materials.
Meningitis Foundation of America
Provides information to educate the public and medical professionals about Meningitis so that its early diagnosis and treatment will save lives.
Mental Health America
Promotes mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illnesses through advocacy, education, research and service. Formerly known as the National Mental Health Association.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's purpose is to accelerate the search for a cure for multiple myeloma.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
A searchable database listing 230 MDA clinics across the country, as well as numerous publications concerning neuromuscular diseases, "Ask the Experts" about current research developments and medical management of neuromuscular conditions.
National Alliance for Caregiving   
Established in 1996, The National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
A nonprofit support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders.
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
Research and information on behalf of individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
National Association of the Deaf
Provides services and support for deaf individuals and their families, including local chapter links and articles.
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Organization built around the needs of adults and young adults with ADD and ADHD.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Serves as a national information and referral center for the general public with links to State Coalition Offices.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Provides education and information on alcohol and substance abuse with referral to local chapters and resources.
National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA)
The largest nonprofit organization for people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
The largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States advocating for the terminally ill and their families.
National Kidney Foundation
Supports research and education of kidney and urinary tract diseases.
National Lymphedema Network
Provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Presents information on this chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system while putting you in touch with the local chapter near you. In Western Washington, it is
The Greater Washington Chapter.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Contains patient information on identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders.
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Providing information to both health care professionals and patients.
National PACE Association
Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provide and coordinate all needed preventive, primary, acute and long term care services so that older individuals can continue living in the community.
Click here for Q & A.
National Parkinson Foundation
Researching to find the cause and cure of this disease and other neurological disorders with information and referral.
National Psoriasis Foundation
A membership organization comprised of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, their families, friends, physicians, researchers, and others.
National Sarcoidosis Resource Center
Devoted soley to providing Sarcoidosis information and links, physician referral, and support group contacts.
National Stroke Association
Promotes national awareness of stroke risk factors and symptoms in reducing the incidence and impact of stroke.
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation
Acts as the clearinghouse while providing practical information and coping strategies that minimize the effects of Sjogren's syndrome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Network
Information request line numbers, list and links to local chapters and to clinics, fact sheets and more.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Since 1982 this foundation has been fighting breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs.
Transverse Myelitis Association
Provides educational information; functions as a clearinghouse for articles and research literature; and investigates, advocates for and supports research and innovative treatment efforts.
United Scleroderma Foundation
Information, resources, and links about this highly-individualized disease.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
This nonprofit organization was fromed to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone.

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Professional Organizations (Medical)

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Advocates for the study and treatment of allergic diseases through research and information.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Information is provided to aid in the understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders in children and adolescents.
American Academy of Dermatology
Provides information on treatment and management of skin diseases.
American Academy of Family Physicians

The national association of family doctors.
American Academy of Neurology
Advancing neurology, its clinical aspects, and the basic neurosciences to physicians and allied health professionals.

American Academy of Ophthalmology
Establishing the global ophthalmic community through leadership, development of information resources, and networking.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Members are orthopaedists concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Physicians who treat disorders of the ears, nose, and throat and related structures of the head and neck.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities through advocacy, education, research, and service.
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
Promotes the profession of podiatric sports medicine and modalities available to those who participate in sports.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
A professional organization dedicated to the advancement of sleep medicine and related research.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Professional medical organization devoted to the field of clinical endocrinology.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Dedicated to excellence in patient care with all active members certified by the American Board of Neurosurgery.
American Board of Family Practice
Founded in 1969, it is the second largest medical specialty board in the United States with over 60,000 physicians who are diplomates of the ABFP.
American Board of Internal Medicine
The only recognized board in the specialty of internal medicine establishing the requirements for certification and recertification.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals dedicated to patient care through research, advocacy and education.
American College of Cardiology
Promoting research, treatment, and management of all aspects of cardiovascular disease.
American College of Chest Physicians
The worldwide organization for those who specialize in various multidisciplinary areas of chest medicine.
American College of Emergency Physicians
Support quality emergency medical care and to promote the interests of emergency physicians.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)
A professional society of 5,800 podiatric foot and ankle surgeons promoting the art and science of podiatric surgery with a focus on preventive care and conservative treatment.
American College of Gastroenetology
Formed to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The nation's leading group of professionals providing health care for women.
American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine
The nation's largest medical specialty society.
American College of Radiology
The principal organization of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and clinical medical physicists in the United States.
American College of Rheumatology
The professional organization of rheumatologists and associated health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability, and curing the more than 100 types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones.
American College of Sports Medicine
Promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise sience.
American College of Surgeons
Concerned with improving the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.
American Dental Association
The professional association of dentists dedicated to serving both the public and the profession of dentistry.
American Dietetic Association
Concerned with promoting dietetics to the profession and the public.
American Gastroenterological Association
The professional association of physicians who are involved with the functions and disorders of the digestive system.
American Medical Association
Advocates in matters affecting American medicine and patient care while developing and promoting standards in medical practice, research, and education.
American Osteopathic Association
The association where the practice of medicine is based on treating the whole person as applied to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury.
American Podiatric Medical Association
The national organization that represents podiatric physicians from across the country more than 20 affiliated and related organizations.
American Psychiatric Association
The medical specialty society of physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders.
American Psychological Association
The the world's largest and most comprehensive information source in psychology.
American Roentgen Ray Society   
Founded in 1900, it is the first and oldest radiology society in the United States.
American Sleep Disorders Association
The professional medical association representing practitioners of sleep medicine and sleep research.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
The organization devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine and biology.
American Society of Anesthesiologists
An educational, research and scientific association of physicians organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology.
American Society of Clinical Oncology
ASCO has more than 15,000 professional members worldwide comprised of clinical oncologists from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
The professional society representing board certified Colon and Rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus.
American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The specialty society dedicated to the education of its physician members in the appropriate use of endoscopic techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
American Society of Neuroradiology
The professional society promoting the practice of neuroradiology.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Aims to provide the highest quality patient care and maintain professional and ethical standards in the field of plastic surgery.
American Thoracic Society
The international, educational and scientific society which focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine.
American Urological Association
The professional society promoting the highest standards of urological clinical care through education, research and in the formulation of health care policy.
Canadian Medical Association
Provides leadership for physicians and promotes the highest standard of health and health care for Canadians.
College of American Pathologists
The world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in providing laboratory quality improvement programs.
Infectious Diseases Society of America
Represents physicians, scientists and other health care professionals who specialize in infectious diseases attempting to improve health and prevention as it relates to infectious diseases.
King County Medical Society
The membership medical society for physicians practicing in King County Washington.
North American Spine Society   
A multidisciplinary organization that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy.
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Members of the medical community committed to promoting global health.
Radiology Society of North America
Promotes and develops the highest standards of radiology and related sciences through education and research.
Society for Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
A professional society for physicians who specialize in interventional or minimally invasive procedures.
Society of Critical Care Medicine
Dedicated to improving care of the critically ill through patient care, education, research and advocacy.
Society of Hospital Medicine
Formerly known as the National Association of Inpatient Physicians, this is the medical society for hospitalists dedicated to promoting excellence and efficiency in clinical care and advancing the practice of inpatient medicine.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
With more than 4,100 members the society for thoracic surgeons represents the practice areas of cardiothoracic, general thoracic, pediatric thoracic, and transplant surgery.
Washington State Medical Association
An organization of physicians who promote, protect, and improve the health of the residents of Washington state.

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Professional Organizations (Nursing & Allied Health)

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
AANP is the largest professional membership organization in the United States for NPs of all specialties.
American Academy of Physician Assistants
National organization that represents physician assistants (PAs) in all specialties and all employment settings.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Membership organization of those who care for acutely and critically ill patients and families.
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
Represents nurses and health care professionals working in diverse areas of neuroscience.
American Association for Respiratory Care
Professional society for respiratory therapists in hospitals and with home care companies, managers of respiratory and cardiopulmonary services, and educators who provide respiratory care training.
American College of Nurse Practioners (ACNP)
A national non-profit membership organization focused on advocacy and keeping NPs current on legislative, regulatory and clinical practice issues that effect NPs in the rapidly changing health care arena.
American Dietetic Association
Concerned with promoting dietetics to the profession and the public.
American Geriatrics Society
A professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults with information for geriatrics health care professionals, the public, and other concerned individuals.
American Nurses Association
Professional organization representing the nation's 2.6 million Registered Nurses through its 53 constituent state associations and 13 organizational affiliate members.
American Occupational Therapy Association
Nationally recognized professional association for over 60,000 occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
American Pharmacists Association
The national professional society of pharmacists is also the largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States.
American Physical Therapy Association
Representing more than 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy.
American Society for Healthcare Food Service Administrators (ASHFSA)
The premier source of professional education and information for food and nutrition service management professionals.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Membership organization of pharmacy professionals.
American Society on Aging
Represents the diverse settings and professional disciplines concerned with the physical, emotional, social, economic and spiritual aspects of aging.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Association for more than 96,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.
Association of Operating Room Nurses
Professional organization of perioperative registered nurses.
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)   
This organization promotes the health of women and newborns.
Case Management Society of America (CMSA)
Dedicated to the support and development of the profession of case management with extensive links and CEU opportunities.
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
Founded to enhance and promote the clinical nurse specialist to the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses
Promotes education and research related to nursing care of persons with orthopaedic conditions through registered and licensed practical/vocational nurses.
National Association of Social Workers
The largest organization of professional social workers with 155,000 members that promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers.
National League for Nursing
Advances quality nursing education for the nursing workforce to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing health care environment.
Washington State Nurses Association   
This is the collective and leading voice, authority, and advocate for the nursing profession in the State of Washington.
Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission   
You will find information regarding health care providers, regulations for professional practice and contact information to put you in touch with people who can help answer your questions

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International Resources

International Committee of the Red Cross
Charged to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance.
International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID)
Composed of individual members from over 155 countries around the world, it is committed to effective research, patient care, and long-term solutions and control of infectious diseases throughout the planet.
Pan American Health Organization
International public health agency working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas.
World Health Organization
Acts as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.

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Last update:  May 16, 2008