2-1-1

Population served: Everyone in the U.S. (check the website for availability in your area)
Mission:

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention
• Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs
• Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services
• Support for children, youth and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

2-1-1 Canada

Population served: Certain sections of Canada (check the website for availability in your area)
Mission:

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Health services and support
• Financial and social assistance
• Housing and utility help
• Food assistance and meal programs
• Senior services and home care
• Government program assistance
• Parenting and family programs
• Disability support services
• Volunteer organizations
• Newcomer services
• Mental health support

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Contact: 800-877-1600
Population served: Anyone in need of nutritional information
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

The world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

• Provides reliable and evidence-based nutrition information for the public
• Website offers search feature to find a registered dietician by location or expertise

American Cancer Fund (ACF)

Contact: 908-431-9800
Population served: Anyone affected by cancer and needing information
Mission:

ACF™ is dedicated to the education, support and empowerment of those diagnosed with cancer by organizing and clarifying information. Provides information about:

• Living with Cancer
• Clinical Trials
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Nutrition and Exercise
• Oral Health

American Cancer Society (ACS)

Contact: 800-227-2345
Population served: People affected by a cancer internationally; programs and services offered to patients and caregivers residing in the United States
Other language(s): Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese
Mission:

In the U.S., ACS is a community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

• Provides educational materials both online and in print about cancer, including blood cancers, as well as related information on topics such as diet, exercise, complementary and alternative medicine, and disease statistics
• Offers support services via online discussion boards and in-person support groups through local chapters
• Cancer Survivors NetworkSM, a global online community, transcends geographic boundaries and builds bonds among cancer survivors and caregivers through shared experiences and feelings
• Road to Recovery, a program offered locally by some chapters, has volunteer drivers who transport patients to and from treatment appointments
• Hope Lodges are temporary housing accommodations for patients traveling far from home for treatment. There are more than 30 lodges
• American Cancer Society’s Wig Bank - Provides free wigs from limited supply to needy patients suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment. Intended for those with insufficient insurance coverage for cranial prostheses (wigs).

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)

Contact: 800-843-8114
Population served: The general public and health professionals in the U.S.
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

AICR focuses its research on the link between diet and cancer and translates the results into practical information for the public; provides funding for research at leading universities, hospitals and research centers throughout the U.S. and abroad.

• Offers nutrition information
• Provides a newsletter filled with practical tips on living for lower cancer risk
• Tested cancer-protective recipes for making plant-based meals
• Offers practical tips for moving more and losing weight
• Has interactive web tools

Cancer Dietitian

Contact: Website
Population served: Anyone interested in nutrition information
Mission:

To translate evidence-based nutrition guidelines into consumer-friendly messages for everyday life.

• Offers nutrition-related information, recipes, newsletter, webinars and videos to enhance health, life and survivorship.

Cancer Recovery Foundation

Contact: Website Only
Population served: Patients in active treatment for cancer in the US
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

To equip patients to survive cancer through research, advocacy, education and support; to empower patients via a holistic approach.

• Women’s Cancer Fund – when funds are available, a social worker or health professional may submit an online application for women in active cancer treatment for a limited amount of financial assistance (up to $250 per family, per year) to help with the patient’s rent or utilities.
• Website provides information about nutrition, exercise, attitude, spirituality and support.

Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation for Young Adults

Contact: Website
Population served: Adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors
Mission:

To guide young adults with cancer to social support programs and services that can help them manage their mental healing as well as their physical battle.

• Survivorship program in Northern Michigan consists of 6 days of adventure-based learning at no cost
• Travel Assistance for young adults to attend an approved survivorship program in the US
• Annual Base2Summit Scholarship for a Michigan resident who is accepted to an accredited school of higher learning; see website for details
• Lists a variety of survivorship resources related to support, finances, legal, etc.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Contact: 800-232-4636
Population served: Anyone seeking information on health
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

Collaborating to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats; is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting public health activities in the U.S.

• Monitors health, detects and investigates health problems
• Conducts research to enhance prevention and implements prevention strategies
• Develops and advocates sound public health policies
• Promotes healthy behaviors and fosters safe and healthful environments
• Provides leadership and training.
• Cancer Survivorship - CDC works with public, non-profit, and private partners to create and implement strategies to help the millions of people in the U. S. who live with, through, and beyond cancer.

Chemocare.com

Contact: 844-268-3901
Population served: Anyone seeking information on chemotherapy or cancer
Other language(s): Spanish and additional languages
Mission:

Chemocare.com® is a website designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. The site focuses on care during chemotherapy including information about FDA approved chemotherapy medications, nutrition, managing side effects and self-care tips. The content is continually updated and reviewed by oncology specialists.

Cook for Your Life

Contact: 212-799-3894
Population served: All cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

A nonprofit organization that teaches healthy cooking to people touched by cancer.

• Hosts a website that is an interactive space where patients, caregivers and survivors can search our healthy recipes based on their treatment and /or dietary needs.
• Provides easy recipes and tips so they can get the healthy nourishing food they need during cancer treatment and beyond
• Offers in-person free cooking classes to patients and survivors in the New York City area.

Dear Jack Foundation

Contact: Website
Population served: Young adult cancer patients and survivors in the US
Mission:

To provide impactful programming benefiting adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer; to improve quality of life; to create positive health outcomes from treatment to survivorship.

• Breathe Now program is a yoga retreat for survivors ages 21 to 39 years (1 to 3 years from active treatment) and their partners (who were with them during treatment).  Includes healthy eating and sessions with a social worker to help couples get back to a balanced relationship and away from being patient and caregiver.
• LifeList program is for 18-39 year old patients, currently undergoing treatment for a difficult cancer diagnosis, to make a wish list of positive activities, items and/or adventures.  Includes the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar journeys.

Epic Experience

Contact: 855-650-9907
Population served: Anyone over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with cancer in the US or Canada
Mission:

To empower adult cancer thrivers and survivors to live beyond cancer

• Offers free week-long outdoor adventure camps in Colorado for adults who were diagnosed with cancer at any time in their lives.  A completed Epic Experience medical form is required and will be reviewed by their medical team.

Feeding America

Contact: 800-771-2303
Population served: People seeking information about local food banks in the U.S.
Mission:

To lead the fight against hunger in communities nationwide

• Serves as a nationwide network of food banks which provide meals to communities through food pantries and meal programs
• Provides online search tool to connect individuals with their local food banks

First Descents

Contact: 303-945-2490
Population served: Young adults diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 39
Mission:

To provide free, life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

• Offers various levels of adventure programs such as whitewater kayaking, rock climbing or surfing. All food, lodging, gear and instruction are included with the activity.  Travel scholarships may be available.

 

Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)

Contact: 301-504-5414
Population served: People seeking nutrition information, worldwide
Mission:

FNIC provides credible, accurate, and practical nutrition resources for consumers, nutrition and health professionals, educators, and government personnel.

• Resource Lists help consumers and nutrition professionals locate information and materials for specific food and nutrition topics, in a variety of formats including articles, pamphlets, books, audio-visuals and website links
• Offers online searchable databases on nutrition education materials from federal government agencies, scientific literature and bibliographic databases.

Meals on Wheels America

Contact: 1-888-998-6325 or info@mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Population served: Adults 60 and older in the U.S.
Mission:

To empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.

• Provides nutrition programs via congregate meals or home delivery, friendly visiting and safety checks
• Offers online search tool to identify local programs by zip code
• Eligibility requirements and programs vary by geographic area.

MedFitNetwork

Contact: Website
Population served: Anyone with a chronic disease or medical condition in the U.S.
Mission:

To improve the quality of life for those with medical conditions by connecting them to fitness and allied health care professionals.

• Provides a free online resource directory to locate fitness and allied healthcare professionals; includes referrals to acupuncturists, chiropractors, dieticians, fitness/yoga instructors, health and wellness coaches, massage therapists, mental health professionals, and physical therapists
• Offers an online blog with health, wellness and fitness articles.

National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service

Contact: 800-422-6237
Population served: Cancer patients, caregivers, family, friends, healthcare providers, researchers
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

To provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information on cancer that is easy to understand; this free service is a federally funded cancer education program.

• Offers trained information specialists who can answer cancer-related questions on a range of cancer topics (but is not a substitute for medical advice).

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

Contact: 301- 435-2920
Population served: People seeking information about dietary supplements in the U.S.
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

The mission of ODS, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

• Provides evidence-based educational materials on vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals and other dietary supplements for consumers and health professionals
• Provides information on federally funded research projects pertaining to dietary supplements
• Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID) provides the amount of nutrients in some dietary supplements based on chemical analysis
• Newsletters provide information on ODS activities, news and resources.

PearlPoint Cancer Support

Contact: 877-467-1936 or Website
Population served: Cancer patients and their caregivers in the US and Canada
Mission:

To offer free nutrition education and consultations to patients and caregivers of all cancer types

• PearlPoint, the nutrition arm of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, offers free personalized nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian.  PearlPoint provides information about healthy eating strategies, side effect management, survivorship nutrition, food safety, recipes, and many helpful resources.

Shining Stars Foundation

Contact: 970-726-8009
Population served: Children ages 8 to 18 with pediatric cancer or other life-threatening illness and their families, primarily in Colorado; other regions served include Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Indiana
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

To transform lives through outdoor recreational and social programs for children and their families challenged with pediatric cancer or other life-threatening illness

• Provides a wide variety of year-round recreational and social activities free of charge
• Services are delivered through overnight, week-long programs and single day events
• Special focus is placed on children living with a physical or mental disability as a result of their treatment and/or disease.

True North Treks

Contact: Website
Population served: Young adult cancer survivors ages 18 to 39 and their caregivers in the United States.
Mission:

To empower teens and young adults with cancer, and those who care for them, to live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives through free backpacking and canoeing treks in beautiful wilderness destinations.

• Please see website for specific trek information, application details and fundraising requirements.
• Participation may include additional outdoor activities, mindfulness meditation and yoga.