Jewish Family Service of Colorado

Provides non-denominational “Safety Net” services to individuals and families in crisis, including emergency financial assistance, food, clothing, shelter, information and referrals.   www.jewishfamilyservice.org or 303.597.5000

Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation helps sort resources for a broad range of needs including housing, utilities, food, and transportation to medical treatment, home health care, medical devices, and pharmaceutical agents as a result of chronic illness.

www.patientadvocate.org  Email:  help@patientadvocate.org or 800.532.5274

FOOD & GROCERIES

Colorado Anti-Hunger Network (CAN)

www.coloradoantihungernetwork.org

Door-to-Door Organics

Online retail service delivers farm-fresh organic fruit and vegetables in Colorado direct to home or business.  

www.doortodoororganics.com or 888.282.4443 or 303.297.3636

Food Bank of the Rockies

Provides food supplies to over 900 hunger-relief programs in Colorado and Wyoming.   www.foodbankrockies.org or 877.460.8504 or 303.371.9250

Meals on Wheels

Volunteers of America program serving homebound adults over 60 across Colorado.  Provides home-delivered meals at no cost; donation of $2.50 per meal is suggested but not required.  Delivers across Colorado.  

www.voacolorado.org/services/we-feed/meals-on-wheels.htm or 303.294.0111 (Greater Metro area) or 970.472.9630 (Larimer County)

Project Angel Heart

Provides home-delivered meals specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals fighting life-threatening illnesses in the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs areas.  

www.projectangelheart.org or Denver: 303.830.0202, Colorado Springs: 800.381.5612

Share Colorado

Catholic Charities-funded program sells food and selected items at heavily discounted prices; participants must volunteer small amount of time in return. Open to all metro area residents regardless of age or income.  Online ordering available; food stamps accepted; over 100 locations in Denver County.  

303.428.0400

USDA Food Stamp Program

Provides low-income households with coupons or electronic benefits that can be used like cash at most grocery stores.  To apply, contact Social Services department in county of residence, or go to www.fns.usda.gov.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Centura Health At Home (Denver)

www.centurahealthathome.org or 303.561.5000

Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care (Englewood)   

303.714.2400

Exempla Lutheran Hospice (Wheat Ridge)

www.exempla.org or 303.425.8000

Hospice of Saint John

www.hospiceofsaintjohn.org or 303.232.7900

HEALTH INSURANCE

Colorado Division of Insurance

Statewide regulatory agency offers consumer information, assistance and protection regarding insurance issues in Colorado.  

www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/ or 800.930.3745

Cover Colorado

Provides health insurance for individuals who have been denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. www.covercolorado.org or 866.787.9129

Health Resources and Services Administration

Federally funded health centers which provide care even for those without health insurance.  Patients pay what they can afford based on income.  

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Institute for Healthcare/Research and Policy—Georgetown University

Offers state-specific consumer guides to getting and keeping health insurance. www.healthinsuranceinfo.net

HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

BenefitsCheckup.org

Free online screening service helps people over 55 find and receive benefits they are entitled to from over 1300 federal, state and private assistance programs.  

www.benefitscheckup.org   

Colorado Community Health Network

Non-profit network of over 100 Community Health Center clinics statewide providing primary healthcare services to uninsured or underinsured patients.  Charges based on ability to pay.  

www.cchn.org or 303.861.5165

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Publishes Connecting Care and Health in Colorado, a comprehensive resource guide to statewide services for uninsured individuals.  Available online or in print.  

www.cohealthinitiative.org or 303.839.1261

Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Provides information about Medicaid and other assistance programs for low income and uninsured Colorado residents.  

www.chcpf.state.co.us or Customer service line 800.859.3943

Doctor’s Care

Referrals to local physicians are provided for uninsured adults residing in Douglas, Elbert, or Arapahoe County. Provide ongoing medical care including acute, surgical, prenatal, lab, x-ray, prescriptions, counseling and more.  Payment determined by sliding-fee scale based on income.  

www.drscare.org or 303.730.1313

GovBenefits.Gov

Free online screening service helps individuals of any age determine eligibility for federal, state and local assistance programs.  

www.govbenefits.gov or 800.333.4636

Medicare

The official U.S. Government Web site for information on Medicare programs nationwide. www.medicare.gov

National Foundation of Dentistry for Handicapped

Information on free dental care for qualified elderly, disabled or chronically ill patients.  Service includes dentures, crowns or other significant dental work.  

www.nfdh.org or 303.534.5297

HOUSING, HOME REPAIR & HOME FURNISHINGS

Colorado Division of Housing

State agency providing financial assistance and services to increase affordable housing availability to Colorado residents.  

www.dola.state.co.us/doh/index.htm  or 303.866.2033

Colorado Housing Search

Information clearing house for affordable housing programs and related services.  

www.coloradohousingsearch.com/index.php or 877.428.8844

Provider’s Resource Center (PRC)

Non-profit clearing house of new and used household furnishings, furniture and more at deeply discounted rates.  Warehouse is open to the public the first Friday of every month.  Located in Aurora, CO.  

www.prccolorado.org or 303.962.2270

Habitat for Humanity

Non-profit home-building organization works with residents and community volunteers to create affordable housing for qualifying families; 29 affiliates in Colorado.  

www.habitatcolorado.org or 888.834.5830 or 303.454.8965

Home Builders Foundation of Metro Denver

Members donate home renovations to disabled individuals and victims of tragic circumstance in Metro Denver.  

www.hbfdenver.org or 303.551.6721

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver

Non-profit program coordinates volunteers to provide free home repairs and modification for low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

www.rebuildingdenver.org or 720.524.0840

Volunteers of America Handyman Program

Volunteers provide minor home repairs, yard work, and safety assessments for seniors and disabled individuals.

www.voacolorado.org or 303.297.0408

IN–HOME ASSISTANCE

Faith in Action

National community-based program coordinates local volunteers to assist with running errands, driving to a doctor’s appointment, in-home visits, or relieving a caregiver for a few hours.  11 local FIA programs across Colorado.  

www.fianationalnetwork.org or 866.839.8865 or 303.666.9312

Care Connection Program, Jewish Family Service of CO

Provides light housekeeping services (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping) to chronically ill adults.  In-home consultation provided; fees vary.  Non-denominational.  

www.jewishfamilyservice.org (click on “programs”) or 303.597.5000

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association

Provides home health, public health and hospice services to residents of the Yampa Valley by nurses, certified home health aides, homemakers, personal care providers, medical social workers, dietitians, parent advocates, and physical, occupational and speech therapists, support staff and eligibility technicians.  

www.nwcovna.info/index.html or 970.870.1326 (Steamboat Springs), 970. 824.8233 (Craig)

State of Colorado In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Program

Offers attendant to provide in-home support with daily living, personal care and case management for disabled adults that are Medicaid-eligible.  

Contact Luarie Jensen, IHSS Implementation Coordinator at lauriejensen@state.co.us or 303.866.5942

Personal Care Assistance Program, Jewish Family Service of Colorado

Provides certified nursing assistants for chronically ill individuals who need help with self-care (bathing, dressing), errands, companionship or caregiver relief. Visits available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Non-denominational.

www.jewishfamilyservice.org (click on “programs”) or 303.597.5000

KIDS & TEENS

girlshealth.gov

Developed by the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services to promote healthy, positive behaviors in girls between the ages of 10 and 16.  Includes information about illness and disability.  

www.girlshealth.gov

BraveKids.org

Excellent online resource guide, message boards, medical information for children living with chronic illness and their family members.  Programs nationwide.

www.bravekids.org

Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

Health insurance coverage for low-income children under 19 years of age and pregnant women in Colorado who aren’t Medicaid-eligible and meet income guidelines.  

www.cchp.org or 800.359.1991

Elijah’s Rainbow / Women of the Word Ministries Intl.

Provides financial/medical assistance for children up to 5 years of age who have been denied medical coverage by their insurance company, those who cannot afford medical coverage, and those who cannot qualify for state funded medical assistance.  Helps children financially with medical equipment, medical supplies, therapy, medical bills, and doctor prescribed medicines.  Based in Denver.

303.894.9869

KidsHealth.org

Provides doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence with separate areas for kids, teens, and parents, each with its own design, age-appropriate content, and tone.  

www.kidshealth.org/index.html

Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND)

Non-profit children’s charity provides free or low-cost dental services to low-income children in Colorado.  Offers “Miles for Smiles” traveling dental clinic for rural communities.  

www.kindsmiles.org or 303.733.3710

Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)

Provides assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children.  

www.pacer.org or 888.248.0822

Peak Parent

Colorado’s federally designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) provides training, information and technical assistance to equip families of children birth through 26 including all disability conditions with strategies to advocate successfully for their children.  

www.peakparent.org/about.asp  or 719.531.9400 (Colorado Springs), 1.800.284.0251 (Hotline)

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)

Non-profit disability rights organization that protects individual civil rights under ADA guidelines.  Legal program represents individuals with disabilities in class action discrimination cases (not individual cases.)  

www.ccdconline.org  or 303.839.1775

Colorado Legal Services

Offers information, advice and representation to low-income individuals and families in Colorado.  Income-based eligibility guidelines; 14+ locations statewide; Bilingual services in many locations.  

www.coloradolegalservices.org or 303.837.1321 (Denver office) or 970.493.2891 (Fort Collins) or 719.589.4993 (Alamosa)

Legal Center for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons

Legal advice and advocacy regarding employment, Social Security and disability issues.  

www.disabilitylawco.org or 303.722.0720 (Denver), 970.241.2105 (Grand Junction) or 1.800.288.1376

Metropolitan Lawyer Referral Service

A non-profit public service sponsored by Metro-area Bar Associations.  Will arrange a 30-minute phone consultation with a lawyer.  

303.831.8000

Metro Volunteer Lawyers

Volunteer Lawyers perform free or low-cost legal services for low-income residents of Metro Denver and surrounding counties.  

www.metrovolunteerlawyers.org  or 303.830.8210

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)

An association of disability attorneys that offers a lawyer referral service for individuals applying for Social Security Disability benefits or appealing a denial of Social Security benefits.  

www.nosscr.org or 800.431.2804 or 201.567.4228

LUPUS MEDICAL INFORMATION

American Autoimmune Related Disease Association

Patient information on over 56 autoimmune-related diseases.   

www.aarda.org or 800.598.4668

American Academy of Dermatology         

Geographic membership directory/physician locator, disease specific information, patient education pamphlets.

www.aad.org or 1.800.503.7546

American College of Rheumatology         

Geographic membership directory/physician locator, disease specific information, links to current clinical trials.  

www.rheumatology.org

Hospital for Special Surgery

Excellent online library of articles on Lupus and other rheumatic conditions; HSS boasts one of the top rheumatology departments in the U.S.

www.hss.edu (under “conditions & treatments”, search “lupus”)

Kaiser Family Foundation

KFF serves as a non-partisan source of facts, information, and analysis for policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the public.  

www.kff.org         

Lupus Colorado

Lupus information packets, seminars, support groups, emergency assistance, referrals and advocacy for those affected by Lupus in Colorado.

www.lupuscolorado.org or 303.594.4050 or 800.858.1292

Lupus Foundation of America         

National organization provides educational resources, political advocacy, information line staffed by medical professionals, and quarterly magazine Lupus Now.  

www.lupus.org or 1.800.558.0121 (request line in English or Spanish)

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (NIAMS)

Division of the National Institutes of Health; offers several free publications on Lupus and other rheumatic conditions.  

www.niams.nih.gov/index.htm or 1.877.226.4267 (toll free)

LUPUS RESEARCH & CLINICAL TRIALS

Alliance for Lupus Research

Supports research into the cause, cure, treatment and prevention of SLE.  

www.lupusresearch.org or 800.867.1743

ClinicalTrials.gov

NIH Web site provides regularly updated information about federally and privately supported clinical research studies.

www.clinicaltrials.gov

Lupus Multiplex Registry and Repository

Only U.S research project to study families with multiple Lupus patients to help determine genetic cause of Lupus.

www.lupus.omrf.org/ or 888.655.8787

Lupus Research Institute

Funds innovative Lupus research studies nationwide.  

www.lupusresearchinstitute.org  or 212.812.9881

NIH Stem Cell Research Information

National Institutes of Health online resource center for stem cell research news and information.  stemcells.nih.gov/  or 301.496.5787

Rheuma21st

Reports cutting edge international developments in rheumatology and immunology.  www.rheuma21st.com

MINORITY & BILINGUAL RESOURCES

Black Women’s Health

Promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual health of today’s African American woman and provides information that will help them live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.   www.blackwomenshealth.com

Charla de Lupus Line (Lupus Chat Line)

Charla de Lupus is a toll-free peer support line that was created for Spanish-speaking Lupus patients.  Trained volunteers speak both English and Spanish and have firsthand experience with Lupus.  Accepts calls nationwide.  Toll-free.  

866.812.4494‍

Colorado African American Health Center Focuses on reducing the serious health disparities that affect African Americans living in the Metro Denver area through community-based health education, participatory research and outreach that promotes active and healthy lifestyle behavior.  

www.caahealth.org  or 303.355.3423‍

Denver Indian Health & Family Services‍

Provides culturally competent services that promote personal, community and environmental health and wellness for American Indian families and individuals in the Metropolitan Denver area.  www.dihfs.org 303.781.4050 ‍

LANtern (Lupus Asian Network), Hospital for Special Surgery‍

Bilingual peer health and education program offers free telephone support in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.  Staffed by trained volunteers who have experienced Lupus firsthand through their own diagnosis or a family member.  Accepts calls nationwide.  Contact program manager My-Lan Tran at tranm@hss.edu or call toll free 866.505.2253 ‍

Mi Casa Resource Center for Women‍

Offers entrepreneurial training and small business planning; job training, placement and career counseling; GED and English as a Second Language classes; education, wellness, youth leadership activities and community development.  

www.micasadenver.org or 303.573.1302 ‍

Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services ‍

The nation’s largest repository of information on health issues specific to African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. The resource center collects and distributes information on a wide variety of health topics.  

www.omhrc.gov or 1.800.444.6472
‍

PAIN MANAGEMENT

American Pain Foundation

Information on resources, research and clinical trials, online patient discussion boards.  

www.painfoundation.org or 888.615.7246 ‍

Partners Against Pain‍

Provides patient education, resources and advocacy for patients suffering from pain, caregivers and healthcare providers.  www.partnersagainstpain.org or 888.726.7535 ‍

PEER SUPPORT

ButYouDontLookSick.com

‍Online magazine focuses on living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease or chronic pain.  Offers message boards, articles on self-care, book reviews and more.  Founded by Christine Miserandino, a 23-year-old Lupus patient from New York.  

www.butyoudontlooksick.com  

‍

ChronicBabe.com ‍

Online community for women with chronic health issues such as Lupus who seek to live their best lives possible.  Features include message boards, articles by and for chronically ill young women, healthy recipes and more.   www.chronicbabe.com‍

‍

Lupus Line, Hospital for Special Surgery‍

National peer counseling service staffed by trained volunteers who are Lupus patients or family members.  Callers are screened and matched by the program coordinator for the convenience of those who want one-on-one support by telephone appointment from home.

1.866.375.1427 ‍

‍

National Suicide Prevention Life Line‍

A toll-free, 24-hour suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis.  Each call is routed to the closest possible crisis center in the caller’s area.  Offers immediate assistance to anyone in need of mental health services confidentially.  

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or Toll-free hotline 1.800.273.8255 or dial 911.‍

‍

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION ASSISTANCE

Denver Chamber of Commerce‍

The Denver Chamber of Commerce prescription program is open to all state residents who can print their own cards from the Chamber’s website.   

www.denverchamber.org ‍

‍

Needy Meds‍

A nationwide information source for patient assistance programs, assistance for specific diseases and conditions and government programs.  

www.needymeds.com/newuser.tml or 215.625.9609‍

‍

North Colorado Medical Center Foundation Med-Aid ‍

Provides one-time, prescription assistance to individuals in Weld County with acute conditions and who have no financial or insurance resources. www.ncmcfoundation.org/programs/medical/medication_asst.html or 970.356.9020 ‍

‍

Partnership for Prescription Assistance ‍

Helps uninsured and underinsured patients determine eligibility for 475 prescription medication assistance programs nationwide.

www.pparx.org or 888.477.2669 ‍

‍

Pfizer‍

Pfizer launched a Free Medicine Program for Newly Unemployed Americans July 2009.  For those who have been unemployed since January 1, 2009 and have been prescribed a Pfizer medicine visit: www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com or call 1.866.706.2400 ‍

‍

Rx Assist‍

Offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles.  

www.rxassist.org ‍

‍

Together Rx Access‍

Prescription drug discount program for people not eligible for Medicare, who have no prescription drug benefits and meet certain income level requirements.   

www.togetherrxaccess.com/about.html or 800.444.4106 ‍

‍

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

This list includes public and private agencies that may be able to help persons seeking a place to live and/or help with rent payments.‍

‍

Archdiocesan Housing‍

www.archdiocesanhousing.org or 303.830.0215 ‍

Denver Options‍

http://denveroptions.org or 303.636.5600 ‍

‍

Denver Urban Ministries‍

www.denum.org or 303.355.4896 ‍

Salvation Army‍

www.salvationarmyusa.org or 303.295.3366 ‍

‍

SCHOLARSHIPS

L.I.F.E. Scholarship

‍‍

Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence funds annual scholarship awards for Lupus patients currently working towards a post-secondary degree.  Minimum award $500.  

www.lifescholarship.org‍

‍

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RESOURCES

Colorado Bar Association‍

Provides referral list of Colorado attorneys specializing in disability/employment cases.

www.cobar.org or 303.860.1115 ‍

DisabilityInfo.Gov‍

Federal government Web site providing comprehensive disability-related information and resources.   

www.disabilityinfo.gov ‍

‍

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)‍

An association of disability attorneys that offers a lawyer referral service for individuals applying for Social Security Disability benefits or appealing a denial of Social Security benefits.  

800.431.2804 or 201.444.1415.‍

‍

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program‍

SSDI pays monthly benefits to qualifying individuals who are disabled and have accumulated enough work credits.  Web site provides eligibility information, application forms and a disability starter kit.  Free publications by mail.  

www.ssa.gov/disability/index.htm or 800.772.1213

‍
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program‍

Provides monthly cash payments to eligible disabled individuals.  Based on financial need and assets (not work credits.)  Web site provides eligibility information and instructions on how to apply.  

www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi or Call 800.772.1213 for automated telephone services for recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day.  To speak directly with a Social Security representative, call between 7:00a.m. – 7:00p.m. Monday through Friday.  TTY – 800.325.0778

SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Skin Cancer Foundation

Provides a list of sunscreens and other products that have received the SCF seal of recommendation for effectiveness in UV protection.  

www.skincancer.org

RIT Sun Guard© Laundry Treatment

A powder that when added to the washing machine will make regular clothing sun resistant to SPF 30.  Lasts at least 20 washings; available in many drug and grocery stores.  

www.sunguardsunprotection.com   

Sun-Resistant Clothing and Accessories

Special line of clothing with sun-protective factor of more than thirty is available through:

www.sungrubbies.com

www.sunprecautions.com

www.splashskins.com (for kids)

www.sunprotectionswimwear.com

UV-Blocking Films

www.3M.com or 888.364.3577 (Scotchtint© and Scotchshield© products)

www.gilafilms.com or 800.528.4481

Fluorescent Bulb UV Filters

Solar Screen manufactures transparent mylar window shades and UV screening.

www.solar-screen.com

Pegasus Lighting specializes in all types of light needs.  At the website homepage, type in UV tube guard to be directed to the correct page.

www.pegasusassociates.com/UVtubeguard.jsp or 800.392.4818.

Professional Lighting Systems.  At the website homepage, look for “UV Blocking and Safety Coated Products” to be directed to the correct page.

www.encapsulite.com/fluorescenttubeguards.htm or 877.227.8756.

Sun Protective Fabric & Shields (UV-resistant fabric, shade tents, umbrellas, etc.)

Amway provides everything from skin care to vitamin supplements.

www.amway.com or 800.253.6500 or 800.529.8772.

Coolibar has UPF sun protection clothing and accessories for men, woman and children.  www.coolibar.com or 800.926.6509

Raybeth Enterprises, Inc – Cakoon UV-sun protective wear including waterproof items. www.raybeth.com  or 888.225.6665.

Sunbrella fabrics for interior and exterior fabrics.

www.sunbrella.com

Solar Protective Factory sells everything from t-shirts to accessories.  

www.spfwholesale.com and www.spfstore or 800.786.2562.

TRANSPORTATION

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

Online list of statewide public transportation systems across the country.  

Links to Colorado public transport at www.apta.com .  When accessing the website, look for “Find Public Transportation in your Area” and type in Colorado which will direct you to the appropriate page.    

Fort Collins Dial-a-Ride

Transportation for disabled individuals in Fort Collins.  Individuals must qualify through eligibility which takes 21 days to process.  

970.224.6066

Grand Valley Transit

Public transportation and rides for disabled in the Grand Junction area.  

www.gvt.mesacounty.us or 970.256.7433  

K2 Taxi

Private Medicaid transports – vouchers given for proper state information provided – servicing Grand Junction/Mesa County.

970.242.4652

Mercy Medical Transportation

For disabled and Medicaid transportation in Mesa County.  

970.812.5127

Midtown Express

Denver Metro Accessible Transportation for the disabled, providing medical supplies and equipment.  Call for fee schedule.  

303.282.8085

Red Cross

www.coloradoredcross.org or 303.722.7474  

RTD Access-a-Ride

Provides door-to-door service for disabled individuals in Metro Denver area.  Initial assessment required.  

www.rtd-denver.com (Click on Services, then Access-a-Ride, then scroll down to the Access-a-Ride application request form) or 303.299.2960

RTD Bus Discount program

Discounted rates on regular bus system for disabled individuals.  

www.rtd-denver.com (information on fares, passes, discounts and eligibility) or 303.299.2667  

Salvation Army

Senior transportation; no wheelchair van.  

www.salvationarmyusa.org or 303.428.6430

Seniors Resource Center Colorado

Rides for the disabled and elderly in Adams and Metro Counties.  3227 Chase Street, Denver 80212.  www.srcaging.org or 303.238.8151  

Senior Resource Transportation

Rides in Jefferson and Adams Counties.  

303.235.6972