Consumer Health Resource Center

Local Cancer Support Groups

AHMCICC Support Groups

Cancer Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. 

American Cancer Society is dedicated to helping people who face cancer. Learn about cancer research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education at cancer.org.

American Childhood Cancer Organization has helped support more than half a million families, because "kids can’t fight cancer alone®." 

BreastCancer.org is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by breast oncologist Marisa C. Weiss, M.D. and born out of her conviction that people with breast cancer need more information and support than a doctor's visit can provide.

Cancer--Medline Plus is a subsection of the National Institutes of Health's Website for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

Liver Cancer--City of Hope provides resources for patients to find the care they need.

Lung Cancer Foundation of America  provides information and resources for lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science, with the ultimate goal of curing the disease.

National Cancer Institute was founded in March of 1930 when the Senate Commerce Committee heard the testimony of leading cancer researchers, advocates, and other cancer specialists. They told stories of cancer incidence in the United States, explained possible cures, and expressed the need for a national clinic. Since then, multiple legislative acts and amendments have broadened the role of NCI in supporting and improving cancer research.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy.

Cancer Resources for Children and Teens

American Cancer Society--Supporting Children. At the American Cancer Society, we're on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we'll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.

CancerCare--Support Resources for Children and Teens was founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.

MGH Cancer Center--Educator Tool Kit provides educators with information to advance knowledge and rapidly translate discovery into exceptional, personalized cancer care for our patients.

National Cancer Institute--Support for your teens

Child and Adolescent Health Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to raising and supporting health children and teens. 

Children

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.  

KidsHealth--For Parents

Nemours is a nonprofit children’s health system. Neil Izenberg, MD, a physician at Nemours, founded KidsHealth.org in 1995. Our goal is to help parents, kids, and teens take charge of their health.

MedlinePlus--Children’s Health

Your child’s health includes physical, mental and social well-being. Most parents know the basics of keeping children healthy, like offering them healthy foods, making sure they get enough sleep and exercise and insuring their safety.

Teens

Girlshealth

Girlshealth.gov offers girls reliable, useful information on health and well-being. We cover hundreds of topics, from getting your period to stopping bullies, and from getting fit to preventing sexually transmitted infections. 

NIDA for Teens

This website is a project of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIDA created this website to give youth ages 11 – 17 the facts about drugs and their effects on the brain and body. Designed for teens and those who influence them—parents, guardians, teachers, and other educators—the science-based information and resources inspire learning and encourage critical thinking so teens can make informed decisions about drug use and their health.  

TeensHealth

Nemours is a nonprofit children’s health system. Neil Izenberg, a doctor at Nemours, founded KidsHealth.org and TeensHealth.org in 1995. Our goal is to help families take charge of their health.

COVID-19 Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Local Information

County of Los Angeles--Public Health  Department. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is cooperating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to recent reports of a novel (new) coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others that circulate mostly among animals. Common symptoms in an infected person include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

TranslateCovid.org is a searchable collection of online links and materials to help equip our diverse language communities with important information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). During these uncertain times, we hope you use these resources in different languages to educate yourself and others. Please practice the health and safety guidelines offered to protect our individual and collective well-being as we tackle the pandemic together. The resources listed here are provided for reference only and are updated periodically. Please refer to medical professionals for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and consult your local government and public health agencies for the most up-to-date guidelines specific to your community as the situation evolves.

Vaccination Information

COVID Vaccination-CDC- Find information for COVID-19 vaccination administration, storage and handling, reporting, and patient education for each specific vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines-CDC Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines-CDC-CDC also has information for busting common vaccine myths available in facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

Key Things to Know about COVID Vaccinations-CDC-Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, information is rapidly emerging about how vaccines can help us stop the pandemic. CDC will update this page with more information about what we know—and what we don’t know—as it becomes available.

Websites

Center for Disease Control and Prevention--COVID-19-Learn the latest updates, nationwide, about COVID-19,symptoms, and  how to protect yourself, and your family. Website is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Harvard Medical School--Coronavirus Resource Center- Harvard Medical School answers to a number of questions about coronavirus and COVID-19. We will be adding new questions and updating answers as reliable information becomes available.

MayoClinic--Coronavirus Disease 2019-Learn the latest news about COVID-19 from MayoClinic.

World Health Organization--COVID-19-Information and resources from the World Health Organization (WHO) about COVID-19.

Information for Parents

National Association of School Psychologists--Talking to Children about COVID-19-Talk to your child about factual information of this disease—this can help reduce anxiety.

National Traumatic Child Stress Network--Parent/Caregiver Guide-Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help parents and caregivers think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family— both physically and emotionally—and what they can do to help their family cope.

Teenline-Articles, apps, and resources for parents to help their teens cope with COVID-19.

Diabetes Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to Diabetes diagnosis, treatment, and support. 

American Diabetes Association-The moving force behind the work of the American Diabetes Association is a network of more than 565,000 volunteers, a membership of more than 540,000 people with diabetes, their families and caregivers, a professional society of nearly 20,000 health care professionals, as well as more than 400 staff members.

CDC-Diabetes Information-The DDT home site features information on CDC's efforts on diabetes prevention and control.

Diabetes--Medline Plus-Information about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention from MedlinePlus. 

Joslin Diabetes Center-Joslin Diabetes Center is dedicated to conquering diabetes in all of its forms — is the global leader in diabetes research, care and education.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-JDRF works tirelessly to find better treatments, prevention, and ultimately, a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through critical research. Every dollar we are able to direct toward this research comes from donors like you.

National Diabetes Education Program-NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation.

Dementia/Alzheimer's Kits

Do you have a loved one experiencing Alzheimer's or Dementia? The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is now lending kits to to help support caregivers and individuals experiencing Dementia/Alzheimer's. Learn more abut the kits.

These kits are sponsored by the 2019-2020 California State Library Mental Health Initiative. 

Dementia/Alzheimer's Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to Dementia/Alzheimer's diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Alzheimer's Association-The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Alzheimer's --CDC

Alzheimer's Foundation of America-The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

Dementia-- MayoClinic-Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

Dementia--MedlinePlus-MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

Looking for a new health care provider? Here are some resources to help you find the right doctor for you and your family. 

Articles

Choosing a Family Doctor-Family doctors create caring relationships with patients and their families. Learn how to choose one that's right for you and your family.

Choosing a Primary Care Doctor-A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care practitioner who sees people that have common medical problems. This person is most often a doctor. However, a PCP may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time. Therefore, it is important to choose someone with whom you will work well. 

Choosing Your Own Doctor (for Teens)-We all deserve a doc who helps us feel comfortable and understood – and who can guide our medical care in a way we need. Get tips on finding the best doctor .

How to Find a Good Doctor-9 steps to help you find the right doctor for you and your family.

Looking for a New Doctor?-Finding a good primary care doctor can feel a little bit like dating. It's awkward. Your expectations are high. You know it's rough out there, but you're still secretly hoping to find the one.

General Health Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to general health topics.

Chinese Health Community Health Resource Center-To maintain the highest quality of health information, CCHRC carefully reviews the wellness library collection to ensure that the contents are accurate and current.  

Cleveland Clinic-Access thousands of health articles, videos and tools to help manage your health.

Healthfinder.gov-Welcome to healthfinder.gov, a government website where you will find information and tools to help you and those you care about stay healthy.

Johns Hopkins Medicine-The mission of Johns Hopkins Medicine is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care.

KidsHealth-We aim to give you the tools to make the best health choices for you.

MayoClinic-Seamless care that revolves around you: more than 4700 physicians and scientists collaborate across Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. 

MedlinePlus-MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

Teens Health-We aim to give you the tools and confidence to make the best health choices. TeensHealth.org is part of the KidsHealth website.

Young Invincibles-Young Invincibles was founded by a group of students in the summer of 2009, motivated by the recognition that young people’s voices were not being heard in the debate over health care reform.

DNA and Genetic Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to DNA and genetics.

Local & State Resources

County of Los Angeles Public Health Department--Newborn Screening-The goal of the Newborn Screening Program is to prevent catastrophic health consequences and the emotional and financial burden for families caused by genetic and congenital disorders.

Genetic Disease Screening Programs-The Genetic Disease Screening Program of the California Department of Public Health works to protect and improve the health of all Californians.  

Online Resources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists--Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests-Prenatal genetic testing gives parents-to-be information about whether their fetus has certain genetic disorders.

Genetics Home Reference -Consumer-friendly information about human genetics from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Mayo Clinic--Genetic Testing-Genetic testing involves examining your DNA, the chemical database that carries instructions for your body’s functions. Genetic testing can reveal changes (mutations) in your genes that may cause illness or disease. 

National health Genome Research Institute-Genetic diseases impact not only patients but their whole families. These resources will help you understand genetic diseases and the importance of knowing your family health history. 

COVID-19 Health Insurance Information

Medicare & Coronavirus-Learn how Medicare is addressing 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Local Health Care Clinics & Programs

Chinatown Service Center-Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental and Behavioral Health Services. Our clinics are located in Los Angeles, Alhambra, San Gabriel and Monterey Park. Staff can speak multi-languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Spanish etc.

Tzu Zhi Medical Center--Alhambra-We provide affordable and charitable patient-centered health care for the wellness of the underserved 

Health Insurance Resources

Articles and resources to help you understand your health insurance. 

Websites

California Health Advocates--Medicare Counseling-HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare. Volunteer counselors can help you understand your specific rights and health care options. HICAP also offers free educational presentations to groups of Medicare beneficiaries, their families and/or providers on a variety of Medicare and other health insurance related topics.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-We pledge to put patients first in all of our programs – Medicaid, Medicare, and the Health Insurance Exchanges. To do this, we must empower patients to work with their doctors and make health care decisions that are best for them.

Consumer Services Guide--Health Topics-The Consumer Services Guide is searchable directory of resources which can help you with consumer problems and questions. The full directory, the Consumer Service Guide Edition, provides access to all the resources collected by Consumer Action.

 Healthcare.gov-Official site of Affordable Care Act.  

Health Consumer Alliance-The Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) offers free assistance over-the-phone or in-person to help people who are struggling to get or maintain health coverage and resolve problems with their health plans. 

Kaiser Family Foundation-The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on national health issues, as well as the U.S. role in global health policy.  

Medi-Cal-Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

Medicare Advantage Plans-Using the largest database of Medicare Advantage Plan information, our in-depth resources ensure you know everything you need to make the right health care decisions.

Medicare.gov-Official U.S. government site for medicare. 

Medicare Rights Center-The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives.

Online Articles

2019’s Best Vision Insurance-Vision plans normally handle benefits one of two ways: they provide discounts on goods and services, or they give you a yearly allowance, occasionally combining parts of both models. We take a look at providers that combine both benefits models to find the most comprehensive coverage available. 

Best Dental Insurance Plans-We looked for companies with the largest networks of providers in the U.S. Some also offer access to networks in other countries. When you’re in need of a routine exam or have to take care of something as complex as a root canal, your search for a reliable dentist should be the least of your worries.

Discount Plan or Health Insurance?-The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that although some medical discount plans provide legitimate discounts, others take people’s money and offer very little in return.  

Comparison: PPOs, HMOs, and Original Medicare-There are several differences in costs and coverage among Original Medicare, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The table below compares these three types of Medicare plans. 

Insurance Coverage for Preexisting Mental Health Conditions-As a result of the Affordable Care Act, health insurance carriers must cover pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions, provided you purchase the coverage during an open enrollment period. Under the law, health insurance plans sold on ACA exchanges must provide mental health and substance abuse treatment. Most policies sold to individuals outside of the ACA exchange also offer mental health and substance abuse treatment, though not all do.

Understanding Dental Benefits-There are four key types of dental benefit products with significant market shares today, i.e. dental HMOs, dental PPOs, dental Indemnity plans, and discount dental plans. Today 82% of all dental policies are DPPOs.

Heart Disease Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to heart disease, treatment, and support. 

American Heart Association-Learn more about the American Heart Association's efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke. 

CDC--Heart Health Information

GoRedforWomen--Heart Health-The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

Heart Disease--MayoClinic

Heart Disease--MedlinePlus

Local Resources for Adults & Teens

APAIT LA-Health Services -Provides free, high quality, and culturally sensitive services that are customized to you.

LA LGBT Youth Advocates Coalition Resources- Provides a variety of services and resources based in Los Angeles, CA. 

Los Angeles LGBT Center-Health Services- is one of the largest and most experienced providers of LGBT health and mental healthcare, supported by a research team working to advance the care and treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley provides gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive folks.

San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center is a California Non-Profit Corporation, 501(c)(3), founded in 2011.  Their mission is to promote a safe and inclusive San Gabriel Valley for people of all orientations and gender identities.

National Resources for Adults & Teens

CDC-LGBT Health Services help folx find networks, services, and health clinics by state available to address those needs.

Direct Online and Phone Support Services for LGBTQ Youth from the Human Right Campaign.

GLAAD-LGBTQ Resources

GLMA Health Care Professional Advancing LGBTQ-Find a Provider can help you search for primary care providers, specialists, therapists, dentists and other health professionals in your area.

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging-The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers.

National LGBTQIA+Health Education Center-We provide educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual minority LGBTQIA+people. 

The Trevor Project is a life-saving resource for LGBTQ young people — 24/7 and always free. 

Vanderbilt University-The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & Intersex Life National Resources-Provides national resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC resoucres, and higher education resources. 

Liver Disease Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to liver disease, treatment, and support.

Online Resources

American Liver Association-ALF’s mission is to promote education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

Liver Disease--MayoClinic

LiverTox-LiverTox^® provides up-to-date, unbiased and easily accessed information on the diagnosis, cause, frequency, clinical patterns and management of liver injury attributable to prescription and nonprescription medications and selected herbal and dietary supplements.

MedlinePlus--Liver Disease

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases--Liver Disease-NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation. 

Pet Health Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to caring for your furry friend.  

American Veterinary Medical Association-Scientific, news, business and other resources for veterinarians, including news, online discussions, veterinary events and CE, legislative tracking, and more.

ASPCA--Pet Care-Are you a new pet parent, or looking to bolster your pet care skills? Read on for grooming guides, nutrition information, safety tips and more.

Pet Care--Medline Plus

Best Friends Animal Society Resource Center-The Best Friends Resource Center has the answers to all your animal-related questions. Need help training your dog to walk nicely on leash? Want to know what your cat’s body language means? You’re in the right place!

Resources for Dogs

American Kennel Club--Canine Healthcare-Our vision is to address the health needs of all dogs across their entire lifetime by focusing on all aspects of their physical, mental, and social well-being. We embrace the One Health model as a critical tool to achieving our vision.

ASPCA--Dog Care-Are you a dog parent? We’re here to help you keep your pup happy and healthy. Read more for a wide range of dog health and behavior tips that will help you provide the best possible care for your canine companion.

Resources for Cats

International Cat Care--Cat Health-At International Cat Care we believe in in a world in which each cat’s life experience will be as good as it can be. We do this by providing cat owners, veterinary professionals and those that live and work with cats with the resources, support and advice they need to care better for their cats.

Small Animal Resources

Animal Humane Society--Guinea Pig Care

Association for Avian Veterinarians--Basic Pet Bird Care

Best Friends Animal Society--Rabbit Resources

American Veterinarian Association--Pet Fish

Prescription Drug Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to prescription drugs.

ConsumerMedSafety.org-ConsumerMedSafety.org is provided to you by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). This unique website is designed to help you, the consumer, avoid mistakes when taking medicines. Preventing medication errors is a huge responsibility that doctors, pharmacists, and nurses take seriously. But you, too, can play a vital role in preventing dangerous errors, and ConsumerMedSafety.org is exactly what you need to protect yourself and your loved ones!  

Drugs.com-Drugs.com is the largest, most widely visited, independent medicine information website available on the Internet. Our aim is to be the Internet’s most trusted resource for drug and related health information. We will achieve this aim by presenting independent, objective, comprehensive and up-to-date information in a clear and concise format for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

Drugs, Herbs and Supplements--MedlinePlus-Learn about your prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Includes side effects, dosage, special precautions, and more.

Food & Drug Administration-The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) ensures that safe and effective drugs are available to improve the health of the people in the United States

DailyMed-This website contains 113170 drug listings as submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At the present time, this Web site does not contain a complete listing of labels for approved prescription drugs.

PubChem-PubChem is an open chemistry database at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Open” means that you can put your scientific data in PubChem and that others may use it. 

Resources for Health Care Providers and Library Staff

Health Literacy Information

Easy-to-Read Health Information-Find links to health information that is easier to read, understand, and use. These materials are designed to be clear and to follow best practices in health literacy.

How to Find Information Online: Health Information for Older People-If your typical search for health information consists of typing a topic into a search engine, you’re not alone. But you’re also not guaranteed quality results. The websites that top your search list may not be up-to-date or reliable. Next time, consider starting with sources you can trust.

Medline Plus--Evaluating Health Information-Tips and advice from the National Institute of Health and the National Library of Medicine. 

Online Information--Is it Reliable?-There are thousands of medical websites. Some provide reliable health information. Some do not. Some of the medical news is current. Some of it is not. Choosing which websites to trust is an important step in gathering reliable health information.

Materials in Multiple Languages

Health Information in Multiple Languages-Browse health information in multiple languages through Medline Plus.

Stroke Resources

Vetted resources to provide accurate information in regards to strokes, treatment, and support. 

American Stroke Association-The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a healthier world with fewer strokes. We team with millions of volunteers to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for stronger public health policies, and providing lifesaving tools and information.

National Aphasia Association-Our goal is to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation, therapeutic and advocacy services to individuals with aphasia and their caregivers. The NAA acts as a syndicate of resources, promoting sense of community among individuals and caregivers.

Stroke--Medline Plus