Life Support
Today’s world is a complicated place and there are many demands on each of us. A significant one is how to manage balancing work and family responsibilities.
Whether you are:
- fitting a healthy lifestyle into a hectic schedule
- handling sandwich generation responsibilities caring for both children and parents
- improving nutritional choices
- locating an assisted living facility for a family member in another state
- finding information about a medical condition
- planning for retirement
- experiencing other life stage needs, we have some easily accessible resources.
No matter what our family structure is, we all face similar life challenges and need access to similar information. It’s where we are in life that determines what we need to focus on at any given time. So we all, whether now or sometime in the future, will need some support. That is the impetus behind Life Support.
We hope you find information here that’s valuable and helpful.
Life Support
Fitness
Campus Walking Maps
- Campus Walk (1.1 miles)
- One-mile Tour of Alleys
- One-mile Jaunt
- Culler Lake Route (1.3-1.9 miles)
- Gymnasium Stroll (1.4 miles)
- Rosemont Run (1.7 miles)
- Park Tour (2 miles)
- Two-mile Jaunt Across Seventh Street
- Side-street Sprint (1.1-1.2 miles)
- Roundabout Campus Course (2.2- 2.5 miles)
Health/Physical Fitness Classes
- Self Service (formerly IQ Web)
Hood College Athletics Facilities
- General Information for Facilities
- General Information for Aquatics
- Year-round Swim Team
- Membership Information
- Public Admission
- Hood Hammerheads Swim Team
(open to anyone in the community)
Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle/Fitness Programs
Weight Watchers
American Heart Association
- BetterU
- Go Red For Women
- How To Help Your Kids Stay Fit
- "What Moves U," a program designed for kids to help them stay active and eat healthy
AARP
YMCA of Frederick County/Frederick Memorial Hospital
CareFirst
Carefirst
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Food Allergies
Vegetarian and Vegan Nutrition
CareFirst
- Wellness Library
- Family Wellness
- Healthy Calendar
- General health and wellness tips
- How to shape up and live well
- Eating healthier and balanced portion sizes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian heart healthy recipes
Health Resources
Prescription Assistance
The following stores have reduced co-pay costs for many generic drugs and other programs to help with your costs:
- Safeway
- Pharmacy services
- Contact the pharmacy at your local store
- Immunization Information
- Giant
- Target
- Rite Aid
- Walgreen's
- CVS
- Wal-Mart
- Giant Eagle
- Weis
- K-Mart
Health Information Lines
- Alzheimer's Association -(800) 272-3900
- American Cancer Society -(800) 227-2345
- American Council on Exercise - (800) 825-3636
- American Diabetes Association - (800) 342-2383
- American Dietetic Association - (800) 877-0877
- American Heart Association - (800) 242-8721
- American Liver Foundation - (800) 465-4837
- American Lung Association - (800) 548-8252
- Arthritis Foundation - (800) 283-7800
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation - (800) 727-8462
- Child Abuse Prevention/Treatment - (800) 422-4453
- Clearinghouse for Alcohol/Drug Info - (800) 729-6686
- Eldercare Locator - (800) 677-1116
- FDA Consumer Magazine
- Food Safety and Inspection - (888) 674-6854
- HIV/AIDS, STD and TB Information - (800) 458-5231
- Mental Health America - (800) 969-6642
- Choose MyPlate Eating Plan - (888) 779-7264
- National Cancer Institute - (800) 422-6237
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - (888) 644-6226
- National Council on Aging - (800) 424-9046
- National Headache Foundation - (888) 643-5552
- National Health Information Center - (800) 336-4797
- National Library of Medicine Health Hotlines
- National Osteoporosis Foundation - (800) 231-4222
- National Safety Council - (800) 621-7615
- National Sleep Foundation - (888) 673-7533
- National Stroke Association - (800) 787-6537
- Prevent Blindness America - (800) 331-2020
Frederick Memorial Hospital Wellness Center
- The Frederick Memorial Hospital Wellness Center promotes healthier lifestyles by providing health education classes, health screenings and individual services
Disease Information and Management
Mental/Physical Conditions
Alternative/Complementary/Integrative/Holistic Medicine
Mental Health
- National Resources For Help
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute of Health
- NIH Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- National Eye Institute
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Office of Research on Women's Health
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Cancer Institute
- 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- (800) 273-8255
- American Psychiatric Association Answer Center
- (888)-35-PSYCH (77924)
- Live operators from 8:30AM to 6:00PM EST refer you to local APA board certified psychiatrists
- American Psychological Association Public Education Line
- 1-(800) 964-2000
- This number is answered by a machine, follow the instructions and press the number 1, then live operators refer you to local APA board certified psychologists
- The Trevor Project
- (866)-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
- A free and confidential suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth that offers hope and someone to talk to 24/7
- State Resources For Help
- Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- General Information
- Health and Data
- Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration
- Local Resources For Help
- Medical and Other Information
- Intelihealth
- Johns Hopkins University Autoimmune Disease Research Center
- LIVESTRONG
- Health Information for Cancer Survivors
- Medscape
- MedicineNet
- National Health Information Center
- National Library of Medicine, NIH
- National Women's Health Resources Center
- NIH Clinical Center
- The National Women's Health Information Center The Office on Women's Health US Department of Health and Human Services - (800) 994 9662
- WebMD
- Specific Mental Conditions
- Anxiety Disorders
- Alzheimer's Disease Information
- Alzheimer's Association
- Alzheimer's Association: Greater Maryland Chapter
- Alzheimer's Association Western Maryland Regional Office in Frederick (301) 696 0315; 24-Hour Helpline (800) 272 3900
- Leeza´s Place A Program of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
- Autism Information
- Eating Disorders
- Mood Disorders & Depression
- Psychotic Disorders
- Suicide Information
- Specific Physical Conditions
- General Information
- Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation : Maryland Chapter
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Breast Cancer
- Anne-Lynn Gross Breast Cancer Resource Center
- Located at Frederick Community College in Adult Services
- Breast Cancer Treatment Information
- Mayo Clinic
- Breast Cancer
- Adjunctive Therapy for Breast Cancer Guide
- National Institutes of Health
- Cancer Topics
- Research
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- WebMD
- Crohn´s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis & Procitis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Diabetes Information
- Digestive Disorders
- Fibromyalgia Syndrome
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure Information
- Leukemia & Lymphoma
- Liver Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myositis
- Thyroid Disorders
- Obesity
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Substance Abuse-General Information
- Alcoholism Information
- Smoking Information
- Frederick Memorial Hospital:
Stop Smoking Program, (240) 379-6000, option 6
- Marijuana Information
- Help for Troubled Teens
- Marijuana and Mental Health: Parents. The Anti-Drug
- Marijuana Anonymous World Services
- Marijuana FAQs Index
- Drug Rehab Help Line - (877) 801 5469
- Drug Rehab, Alcohol Rehabilitation, Addiction Treatment Center Alternative, and Recovery Program
- Marijuana Addiction Drug Rehabilitation Marijuana Rehab Centers and Drug Treatment Programs
- Crack Cocaine Information
- Heroin Information
- Narcotics Information
- Inhalants Information
- General Treatment & Prevention
- Medication Information
- Western Maryland 2-1-1 and Hotline Services
- Provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, counseling, support, information and referrals to all citizens in Frederick County
- Information & Referral, Crisis Intervention
- Available 24/7- 365 days per year
- Services are available in 150 languages
- 2-1-1 and Hotline service covers Western Maryland
- For any of the information listed below, please call 2-1-1 or 301-622-2255 (local) or 1-800-422-0009 (statewide) or access via the web
- www.211metrodc.org
- Use this website to find assistance when you or someone you know needs help. There are thousands of health and human services programs available to assist you – from child care jobs, health care, and insurance – to emergency services to help you in times of disaster or emergency. Dial 2-1-1 for assistance in Washington, D.C. and sections of Maryland and Virginia. If 2-1-1 is not available in your area, please call your regional call center (http://www.211metrodc.org/callcenters.php) for help.
National Institute of Mental Health
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
- Includes Information on:
- Disorders and treatment
- Education on Mental Illnesses
- Getting help
- Intervention & prevention
- Suicide prevention
- Statistics
- Clinical trials information
- And much more general mental health information
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
Mental Health America
- Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.
- Includes information on:
- Disorders and treatment
- Medication information
- Crisis intervention information
- Finding help
- Paying for care
- And much more general mental health information
Care First
Health Screenings
Medication Information
Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Domestic Violence/Relationship Violence
- Kids and Teens Health
- National Institutes of Health
- Cyber Bullying
General Support
- CareFirst
- General Wellness
- Other Supporting Groups
- General Wellness
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Business Health Services: (User Name: HOOD)
- Resource for employees who may be experiencing personal problems. "The EAP provides confidential assistance and convenient, cost-free resources to help effectively address such issues before they interfere with personal wellness, professional obligations and overall work performance"(EAP
Military-Active Duty and Veteran Resources
- Military Child Education Coalition
- (254) 953-1923
- P.O. Box 2519, 108 East FM 2410, Suite D, Harker Heights, TX 76548
- Focuses on educational and transitional challenges facing all military children
- National Military Family Association, Inc.
- (800) 260-0218
- Operation Purple (Camps for Military Children)
- 2500 North Van Dorn St., Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601
- Through its Operation Purple Camp program, NMFA offers a free week of summer fun geared to help military kids deal with the stress of having a parent deployed
- Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
- (301) 294-8560/(888) 294-8560
- 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852
- Assists wounded service members and their families by providing temporary housing on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers
- Operation Support Our Troops´ Wheels for Warriors
- (401) 294-6586
- P.O. Box 404, North Kingstown, RI 02852
- 100 percent of donations to Wheels for Warriors go directly to the purchase and customization of vans for severely wounded service members
- Wounded Warrior Project
- www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- (904) 296-7350/(877) TEAM-WWP
- 7020 A.C. Skinner Pkwy., Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- The greatest casualty is being forgotten
- Amputee Coalition of America
- (888) 267-5669
- 900 East Hill Ave., Suite 205, Knoxville, TN 37915-2566
- Empowering people with limb loss through education, support and advocacy
- Disabled Sports USA
- (301) 217-0960
- 451 Hungerford Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850
- Offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent disability
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Medicare
- MetLife
- MetLife Mature Market Institute
- MetLife's information and policy resource center on issues related to aging, retirement, long term care and mature market.
- MetLife Mature Market Institute
- Social Security
- Offers services online
- Offers services over the phone: Automated Telephone Services (800) 772-1213
- Apply for retirement benefits
- Apply for disability benefits
- Change address/phone number, if you receive benefits
- Replace Medicare card
- Apply for Medicare extra help
- Direct deposit
- Prepare yourself and loved ones for retirement
- Complete Life series, five downloadable booklets
- Advance Care Planning: Making Choices Known
- Planning Ahead: Funeral and Memorial Services
- Preparing to say Good-bye: Care for the Dying
- When Death Occurs: What to Do When a Loved One Dies
- Help for the Bereaved: The Healing Journey
- Nursing Home Information
Caregiver
- AARP
- Planning Ahead: Caregiving
- Alzheimer's Association Western Maryland Regional Office in Frederick
- (301) 696 0315
- 24-hour helpline: (800) 272 3900
- Caregivers.org
- Children of Aging Parents
- (800) 227 3900
- Eldercare Locator Dept. of Health and Human Services
- Faith in Action
- Senior Living Map
- Family Caregiver Alliance's National Center on Caregiving
- Long-Term Care
- National Association of Insurance Commissions (NAIC): A Shopper's Guide to Long-term Care
- The Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program
- Medicare
- (800) 633 4227
- Medicare: Caregiving
- National Alliance for Caregiving
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
- National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up
- National Family Caregivers Association
- Social Security Administration
Legal documents, healthcare directives, end-of-life planning & decisions
- Maryland Attorney General's Office: Access to forms: Advance Directives Information Sheet and the Advance Directives, A Guide to Maryland Law on Health Care Directives.
(410) 576-7000 or (888) 734-0023 - Advance Directive Forms valid in DC, MD, and VA
- Health Lawyers’ Public Information Series, A Guide to Legal Issues In Life-Limiting Conditions
- AARP End of Life Planning
- Moyers on Dying: A Financial Guide
- Aging with Dignity: 5 Wishes
- Source for Five Wishes information and document. 800.594.7137
- U.S. Administration on Aging
- http://www.aoa.gov/index.aspx - (800) 677 1116
- Sponsors statewide legal hotlines for those ages 60 or older. Call to get the number for specific states. (800) 677 1116
- American Bar Association on Law and Aging
- http://www.abanet.org/aging
- Provides guides: Legal Guide for Older Americans and Law and Aging Resource Guide
- Consumer’s Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning
- AARP "Prepare to Care" Tool Kit
- AARP Resources of End of Life, Living Wills, Dying and Death
- Strength for Caring
- http://www.StrengthforCaring.com/
- Comprehensive website sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
- A Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance
- http://www.naic.org/index_ltc_section.htm
- From NAIC, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners - (816) 842 3600
- Guide to Retirement SourceBook and other resources
- National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information
- End of Life, Wills, & Estate Planning AARP
Assisted Living
- Frederick County Department of Aging
- Life Advice Program from MetLife
- www.metlife.com
- Pamphlets cover a range of topics from assessing if a nursing home is appropriate, to services covered, to payment and selection.
- Maryland Health Care Commission
- www.mhcc.maryland.gov/consumerinfo/nhguide/default.aspx
- Provides surveys of Maryland nursing homes.
- Nursing Home Grievance and Oversight Agencies
- Maryland Office of Health Care Quality has to license a care facility for it to exist.
- Local Departments of Aging should each have an ombudsman to assist.
- Office of the State Attorney General also can become involved.
- The Senior Victims Assistance Unit, in Frederick County, becomes involved in cases of abuse, etc.
Palliative Care
- GetPalliativeCare.org
- Hospice of Frederick County
- Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
- Palliative Care: Complete Care Everyone Deserves, National Alliance for Caregiving and FRIA (Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged). (2003)
Hospice
- Growth House
- www.growthhouse.org
- Provides education, informative resources for end of life care.
- Hospice Association of America
- www.nahc.org/HAA/
- Information on hospice trends, how to choose a hospice, publications, and helpful links.
- Hospice of Frederick County
- AARP Resources for End of Life Care
Funerals
- AARP: Funeral Planning
- Pre-need Funeral and Burial Agreements
- Funeral Consumer Alliance (FCA), a non-profit educational organization supporting
- Hood College Resources
- American Red Cross
- American Red Cross: Frederick County Chapter
- Advocates for the Homeless
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County
- Mental Health Association of Frederick County
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hospice of Frederick County
- Goodwill
- Heartly House, Inc.
- Salvation Army
- The Humane Society
- Volunteer Frederick
Western Maryland 2-1-1 and Hotline Services
- Provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, counseling, support, information and referrals to all citizens in Frederick County
- Information & Referral, Crisis Intervention
- Available 24/7- 365 days per year
- Services are available in 150 languages
- 2-1-1 and Hotline service covers Western Maryland
- For any of the information listed below, please call 2-1-1 or 301-622-2255 (local) or 1-800-422-0009 (statewide) or access via the web
- www.211metrodc.org
- Use this website to find assistance when you or someone you know needs help. There are thousands of health and human services programs available to assist you – from child care, jobs, health care, and insurance – to emergency services to help you in times of disaster or emergency. Dial 2-1-1 for assistance in Washington, D.C. and sections of Maryland and Virginia. If 2-1-1 is not available in your area, please call your regional call center (http://www.211metrodc.org/callcenters.php) for help.