National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH), is to support 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. The NIAMS Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information can be found on the NIAMS Web site at www. niams.nih.gov.

1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484 or 877-22-NIAMS (226- 4267) (free of charge)
TTY: 301-565-2966
www.niams.nih.gov

National Institute of Nursing Research

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a component of NIH, supports research and research training in universities, hospitals, research centers, and at NIH in areas related to health promotion and disease prevention, managing the symptoms and disabilities of illness, and improving the environment in which patient care is delivered. Chronic diseases, such as lupus and arthritis, are among the six major areas of emphasis for the Institute. For more information on the Institute and its programs, contact the NINR Office of Science Policy and Public Liaison at:

31 Center Drive
MSC 2178
Building 31, Room 5B10
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-496-0207
www.nih.gov/ninr

American College of Rheumatology's Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is an organization of doctors and associated health professionals who specialize in arthritis and related diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles. The Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) is a division of ACR. The ARHP aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of rheumatology health professionals and to promote their involvement in rheumatology research, education, and quality patient care. The Association also works to advance and promote basic and continuing education in rheumatology for health professionals who provide care to people with rheumatic diseases. For more information, contact ARHP at:

1800 Century Place
Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
Phone: 404-633-3777
www.rheumatology.org

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the major voluntary organization devoted to supporting arthritis research and providing educational and other services to individuals with arthritis. It publishes free pamphlets and a magazine for members on all types of arthritis. It also provides up-to-date information on research and treatment, nutrition, alternative therapies, and self-management strategies. Chapters nationwide offer exercise programs, classes, support groups, physician referral services, and free literature. For more information, call your local chapter, listed in the white pages of the phone book, or contact the Arthritis Foundation at:

P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
Phone: 404-965-7888 or 800-568-4045
www.arthritis.org

Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the main voluntary organization devoted to lupus. LFA assists local chapters in providing services, including education, referrals, and support groups, to people with lupus; works to educate the public about lupus; and supports lupus research. For more information, contact LFA at:

2000 L Street, NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-349-1155 or 800-558-0121
www.lupus.org

SLE Foundation, Inc.

The SLE Foundation supports and encourages medical research to find the cause and cure of lupus, and improve its diagnosis and treatment. It also provides a wide variety of services to help people with lupus and their families. In addition, this voluntary organization conducts a broad-based public education program to raise awareness of lupus, and increase understanding of this serious chronic autoimmune disease. For more information, contact the SLE Foundation at:

330 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1701
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-685-4118 or 800-74-LUPUS
www.lupusny.org



Source: National Institutes of Health, U.S.Dept of Health and Human Services