Resource Center

Updated March 2024

United States Resources

Al-Anon Family Groups – www.al-anon.org

  • United States: Telephone: (757) 563-1600
  • Toll-free Meeting Line: (888) 425-2666
  • Al-Anon offers resources and support to family members and friends of someone who struggles with problem drinking or substance abuse.
  • Email: [email protected]  

Alcoholics Anonymous – https://www.aa.org/

  • Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  Attending A.A. meetings doesn’t cost anything. Participating requires no age or education. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem
  • Alcoholics Anonymous’ primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Dallas AA Central Office – https://www.aadallas.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – https://afsp.org/

  • Mission: Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide. Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.

Americans with Disabilities Act – www.ada.gov

  • 1-800-514-0301 (voice)
  • 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
  • The ADA website provides information and technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADA National Network – www.adata.org

  • 1-800-949-4232
  • The ADA National Network provides information, guidance, and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to support the mission of the ADA to “assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.” ADA specialists help families address complex questions on a wide range of ADA topics such as reasonable accommodations at work, building codes for new construction projects, accessible housing, and transitioning from school to work. ADA specialists also address questions about other disability laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and the Rehabilitation Act

American Chronic Pain Association – https://www.acpanow.com/       

  • Since 1980, the ACPA has offered peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and health care professionals. The information and tools on this site can help you to better understand your pain and work more effectively with your healthcare team toward a higher quality of life.

American Trauma Society – https://www.amtrauma.org/default.aspx

  • Toll Free: 800-556-7890
  • The American Trauma Society is dedicated to the elimination of needless death and disability from injury. For 50 years, the ATS has served as an advocate for the trauma care system, trauma prevention programs, and survivors of trauma and their families throughout the United States. 
  • Our mission is to Save Lives, Improve Care, & Empower Survivors.

AMPOWER – https://hangerclinic.com/patients/emotional-support/

  • The mission of AMPOWER is to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb differences through peer mentorship, educational resources, and community events.

Amputee Coalition – www.amputee-coalition.org

  • Toll-Free: 888/267-5669
  • The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support, and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention. Resources and information for children, adults, and families.

Understanding Limb Loss and Limb Difference – https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/understand-limb-loss

Anxiety and Depression Association of America – https://adaa.org/

  • The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research. It helps people understand the disorders and educates them about scientifically supported treatments so they can make informed decisions. It also supports professionals who provide treatment and conduct research. Click the link to learn how ADAA could help you or your family.

Brain Injury Association of America – https://www.biausa.org/

  • The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education to improve the quality of life for adults and children affected by brain injury. BIAA is dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. It has a network of state affiliates, local chapters, and support groups.

BrainLine – https://www.brainline.org/

  • 703-998-2020
  • BrainLine provides education and resources about Brain Injury and PTSD for both adult and pediatric survivors and their families. They focus on treatment and recovery information for moderate to severe TBI symptoms in both adults and children.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Overdose Prevention

  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention funds national research that specializes in health education, resources, and raising awareness. Some medications, such as prescription opioids, can help relieve pain in the short term but also come with serious risks and potential complications—and should be prescribed and used carefully. The CDC highlights that the best ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths are to improve opioid prescribing, reduce exposure to opioids, prevent misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.
  • Overdose Prevention Education and Learning Hub – https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/communication-resources/resource-hub.html
    • The drug overdose epidemic continues to evolve, with nearly 107,950 overdose deaths in the United States in 2022. CDC’s Division of Overdose Prevention is working to reduce overdose deaths and related harms by creating and disseminating overdose prevention materials and resources nationwide. DOP’s websites have a variety of data, publications, materials, training, and videos developed to support drug overdose prevention efforts in communities.
  • Treatment of Substance Use Disorders – https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/treatment/index.html
  • Overdose Prevention Resources – https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/communication-resources/index.html
  • Commonly used terms about opioids and drug overdose – https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/glossary/index.html

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation – www.christopherreeve.org

  • Toll Free: 1-800-225-0292
  • Paralysis Resource Center: 973-467-8270
  • The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy.

Detox.Com – https://www.detox.com/ptsd/

  • Helpline available 24/7: call 866-351-3840
  • Information on support for PTSD and Addiction

Family Caregiver Alliance – https://www.caregiver.org/

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of family and friends who are providing long-term care for loved ones at home. It provides support, information, and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving. These include online support and resources, navigators to help locate support services by state, and the National Center on Caregiving which unites research, policy, and practice to develop cost-effective programs for caregivers. Click the link to find out more about how FCA could help you or your family.

Hope After Head Injury – https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/ 

  • Hope After Head Injury exists to bring hope to those who have been impacted by brain injury in their life, whether going through the experience themselves or caring for a loved one. They understand that the journey through head trauma is a road that when walked alone can be scary and lonely. Through the voices of brain injury survivors and caregivers, they provide awareness, encouragement, and hope. Click the link to learn more about Hope After Head Injury.

Mental Health America – www.mentalhealthamerica.net

  • Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Resources and information for youth, parents, and adults.

National Center for PTSD – https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

  • 1-800-273-8255
  • The National Center for PTSD offers national resources for trauma survivors and families, which include information about PTSD, resources such as the PTSD Coach Online, and videos from other survivors and professionals.

National Center for Victims of Crime – https://victimsofcrime.org/

  • (202) 467-8700
  • The National Center for victims of crimes:
    • advocates for stronger rights, protections, and services for crime victims
    • provides education, training, and evaluation
    • serves as a trusted source of current information on victims’ issues.
    • This website helps survivors and families find local assistance, learn about crime and its effects, and browse resources to help victims of crime to rebuild their lives. (Also see VictimConnect Resource Center)

National Human Trafficking Hotline – https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

  • If you, or someone you know, are a victim of Human Trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
  • Human Trafficking is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims to engage in sex acts or labor services against his/her will.

National Institute of Mental Health – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

  • For assistance, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), TTY: 1-800-799-4889.
  • The Crisis Text Line is: 741741
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers.

Neurocritical Care Society – https://www.neurocriticalcare.org/resources/family-patient-resources

  • The Neurocritical Care Society provides and advocates for the highest quality of care for patients with critical neurological illness. It promotes skilled and compassionate patient care, professional collaboration, research, training and education, and advocacy. Click the links to learn more about the Neurocritical Care Society and view a PDF of its patient and family brochure.

Office of Disability Employment Policy: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep  

  • The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

Office of Personal Management, Federal Employment of People with Disabilities:  https://www.opm.gov/

  • The Federal Government is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. We offer a variety of exciting jobs, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/im-looking-mental-health-help-myself

  • If you have gone through a traumatic experience, it is normal to feel emotions such as distress, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, or anger. If these symptoms don’t go away over time, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visit this website from Mental Health America to find out about PTSD and ways you can help yourself or a family member who may be suffering from PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC)– https://nascic.org/

  • The North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC) is a collaborative organization dedicated to advancing spinal cord injury (SCI) research, improving clinical care, and promoting the well-being of individuals living with SCI. NASCIC brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience to share knowledge, support innovation, and advocate for better SCI treatments. With a focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injuries, NASCIC works toward a future where SCI recovery and prevention are significantly improved. Through networking, education, and advocacy, NASCIC plays a critical role in transforming the landscape of spinal cord injury care and research.

Rehabilitation Services Administration – https://rsa.ed.gov/

  • Our mission is to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence, and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (SAMHSA) – www.samhsa.gov

  • For assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP, TTY: 1-800-487-4889
  • This helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. The SAMHSA website also offers a treatment locator to identify local mental health providers.

The Friends and Family of Chic Kelly – http://www.chickelly.com

  • The Friends and Family of Chic Kelly is dedicated to improving the quality of life for victims of spinal cord injury (SCI). It provides funding for SCI individuals to help with educational, physical, or medical needs. It is also committed to finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Visit the website to find out more information and how to get involved

United Spinal Association – https://unitedspinal.org

  • United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers, and professionals. Its goal is to provide people living with SCI/D with active lifestyle information, peer support, advocacy, and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities. Visit the website for more information.

VictimConnect Resource Center: https://victimconnect.org/

  • 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
  • The Victim Connect Resource Center is a referral helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately. As a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime, it combines: a telephone-based helpline, online chat, online information, and service referrals   

United States Pediatric-Specific Resources

Youth Violence Prevention Resources – www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/index.html

  • 1-800-232-4636
  • TTY: 888-232-6348
  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention funds national research and specializes in health education, resources, and raising awareness. Youth violence is a severe problem that can have lasting harmful effects on victims and their families, friends, and communities. Youth Violence Prevention efforts should aim to reduce factors that place youth at risk for perpetrating violence and promote factors that protect youth at risk for violence. Many prevention tools have been developed and implemented; many of these prevention programs and strategies have been evaluated and found to be effective at preventing violence and related behaviors among youth.

Child Help – www.childhelp.org/hotline/

  • 1-800- 4-A-Child (1-800- 422-4453)
  • The ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergencies, social services, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org/school-and-community/trauma-guides/

  • The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention.

Coalition to Support Grieving Students – https://grievingstudents.org

  • The Coalition’s purpose is to create and share a set of industry-endorsed resources that will empower school communities across America in the ongoing support of their grieving students. They provide education and resources to help support students in response to the death of a loved one, school violence/shootings, etc.

National Alliance for Grieving Children – https://childrengrieve.org/

  • The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. The NAGC is a nationwide network to promote best practices, education, and critical resources to support the mental, emotional, and physical health of grieving children and their families.
  • https://childrengrieve.org/resources

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB): https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/

  • Telephone: 1-877-536-2722
  • The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB) at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is dedicated to helping schools support their students through crisis and loss. They assist schools and communities in the U.S. and abroad to cope with the aftermath of tragedy in helping to support resilience after crises and traumatic events.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: www.nctsn.org

  • Telephone: (310) 235-2633
  • https://www.nctsn.org/audiences/families-and-caregivers
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created to increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. This network provides resources and education about Trauma-Informed Care and how trauma impacts children and families.

Phoenix Society—Resources for Parents and Children – https://www.phoenix-society.org/

  • The Phoenix Society is a strong voice for burn survivors, their families, and their caretakers—advocating that healing is life-long process. They focus on information and resources for families of survivors in recovery.
  • https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide – http://www.sptsusa.org/

  • 1-800-273-8255
  • The mission of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is to reduce the number of youth suicides and attempted suicides by encouraging public awareness through the development and promotion of educational training programs.

The Trevor Project – https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

  • 866-488-7386 (Crisis Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth) or Text ‘START” to 678-678
  • Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

Teen Line: https://www.teenline.org/  

  • Call 1-800-852-8336 or Text “TEEN” to 839863
  • TEEN LINE was created in 1980 by a group of mental health professionals who, through their personal work with teenagers, realized that a more inclusive approach to adolescent mental health was needed. After extensive research and consultation, TEEN LINE, a teen-to-teen hotline with community outreach services, was born.

Understood: https://www.understood.org/ 

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/your-childs-rights/basics-about-childs-rights/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know

  • Understood is a combined effort from 15 nonprofit organizations that have joined together to support parents of children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey.
  • They provide information and resources to help parents to help their children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential.
  • The professionals who advise parents on Understood include educators, learning and attention specialists, physicians, psychologists, lawyers, and more. They share a commitment to children with learning and attention issues.

U.S. Department of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html

  • Telephone: 1-800-872-5327
  • The purpose of this guidance is to assist educators, parents, and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities, including preschool-aged children.

U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): https://sites.ed.gov/idea/

  • Find information for children with disabilities and their families who want to explore resources on infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities

You Can NOT Be Replaced:  www.youcannotbereplaced.com

  • You Can NOT Be Replaced began in 2012 after the loss of the seventh student to suicide at our local high school. Our goal is to reduce the factors that can contribute to someone in crisis while empowering young people and families to improve relationships, communication, and trust.

Youth.gov:  https://youth.gov/

  • This is a U.S. government website that helps you create, maintain, and strengthen effective youth programs. Included are youth facts, funding information, and tools to help you assess community assets, generate maps of local and federal resources, search for evidence-based youth programs, and keep up to date on the latest, youth-related news.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies: https://istss.org/public-resources

  • The International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery of programs and services to reduce traumatic stressors and their long-term consequences. For more information, visit this website.

Australia Resources

Australian and New Zealand Burn Association: https://www.anzba.org/

  • ANZBA is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injury by encouraging higher standards of patient care through education, performance monitoring, research, and promoting community awareness of burn injury prevention. They also offer support groups and other resources specific to burn survivors.

Amputees NSW: https://amputeesnsw.org.au/

  • Amputees NSW provides grass roots support to anyone affected by limb difference. Enhancing access to quality programmes, services and community, current and meaningful information, and to better support each other.

Brain Injury Australia: https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au/

  • Brain Injury Australia (BIA) is the central clearinghouse of information and gateway to nationwide referral for optimizing the social and economic participation of all Australians living with brain injury.

Burns Support Foundation: https://burnssupportfoundation.org.au/

  • The Burns Support Foundation’s charter is to provide direct and indirect support and assistance to anyone who has been burnt as well as their families. Support services include a parent/carer support group, a young adults group, a telephone help line and referral service, a newsletter, and family camps which are run biannually. Specific practical support includes meeting individual special needs and also the provision of some financial assistance in circumstances of extreme hardship. If you have any queries, please contact the foundation to discuss.

KIDS Foundation Burn Survivors Network: https://www.kidsfoundation.org.au/page/85/burn-survivors-network

  • The Burn Survivors’ Network (BSN) is a national support program that provides services and programs to assist burn survivors and their families to develop a quality of life beyond survival. BSN offers lifetime support, friendship, hope, understanding and emotional adjustment by means of sharing strength and information. BSN programs include camps, assistance packages, education, communication and support networks.

Limbs 4 Life: https://www.limbs4life.org.au/

  • Limbs 4 Life is the peak body for amputees in Australia. Limbs 4 Life provides services to thousands of amputees and their care givers, who rely on the programs and services for assistance prior to, or after a limb amputation.
  • Limbs 4 Life’s supports include:
    • Peer support programs
    • Amputee resources and wellbeing information
    • Independent support helping you to navigate the health-care and disability systems
    • Access to social inclusion events and activities

Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia: https://www.pbf.asn.au/

  • PBF Australia (The Paraplegic Benefit Fund) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury. For those already living with paraplegia and quadriplegia they offer peer support programs, lifestyle education, and employment opportunities, with the goal of demonstrating that life can and does go on after a spinal cord injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia: https://scia.org.au/

  • Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is a for-purpose organization working for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other neuro conditions. They were founded by people with SCI over fifty years ago; people with disability make up over 35% of their staff and the majority of their Board lives with spinal cord injury. They offer a wide range of resources.

Spinal Life Australia: https://www.spinal.com.au/

  • Spinal Life Australia offers comprehensive support and empowerment for survivors with spinal cord injury or neurological conditions. With over 60 years of experience, they are dedicated to making real differences in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. From personalized care and allied health services to advocacy and community support, they offer a variety of resources and supports.

Australia Pediatric-Specific Resources

Limbs4Kids: https://www.limbs4kids.org.au/

  • Limbs 4 Kids is a national program that supports parents of children born with limb deficiencies and children or adolescents who undergo an amputation early in life. We support parents and children by:
    • sharing up-to-date information about all aspects limb difference to empower families to make informed decisions
    • raising awareness in the community so limb difference is better understood
    • connecting families with kids with limb differences in person, at events, on social media channels
    • advocating for the needs of people living with limb differences by lobbying governments, big business and different industries.