LINKS to Helpful Websites Below is a collection of helpful websites. If you know of another site our readers may find helpful please CONTACT US so we can add it. Thanks for visiting www.HEALTH413.com American Diabetes Association Click Here for the American Diabetes Association American Heart Association Your Local American Heart Association Holyoke/Chicopee 54 Wayside Avenue, Suite C West Springfield, MA 01089 phone: (413) 827-0400 Click Here for American Heart Association American Lung Association American Lung Association of Massachusetts Western Area 393 Maple Street Springfield, MA 01105-1954 Phone: 413-737-3506 Fax: 413-737-3511 Email: info@lungma.org Click Here for American Lung Association Autism Society of America Autism Society of America Chapters ASA chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers, and other professionals. ASA has chapters in nearly every state reaching out to individuals with autism and their families with information, support, and encouragement. Click Here for Autism Society of America Massachusetts Medical Society The Massachusetts Medical Society is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students. We are dedicated to educating and advocating for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The MMS publishes the New England Journal of Medicine, a leading global medical journal and web site, and Journal Watch alerts and newsletters covering 12 specialties. The MMS is also a leader in continuing medical education for health care professionals throughout Massachusetts, conducting a variety of medical education programs for physicians and health care professionals. Click Here for Massachusetts Medical Society Mass Gov Protection & Patient Rights The Office of Patient Protection was created pursuant to Chapter 141 of the Acts of 2000 signed into law by Governor Cellucci on July 21, 2000. In Janaury 2001, the Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman, created by an Executive Order, became part of the Office of Patient Protection. Effective January 1, 2001, Massachusetts consumers and other individuals who receive health coverage from a Massachusetts carrier, insurer or HMO are entitled to new protections covering internal grievances, medical necessity guidelines, continuity of care and independent external reviews. click here Mass Gov Protection & Patient Rights Multiple Sclerosis Society The Central New England Chapter offers a full spectrum of community-based education, financial and social supports, and advocacy programs designed to: Increase knowledge of the disease and available treatments. Improve health and wellness. Maximize independence at home and in the community. Advocate for public policies that support those with disabilities. Call our toll-free number 1-800-344-4867 or click on one of the categories below to learn more about our resources. click here for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society United Way of Pioneer Valley United Way of Pioneer Valley 184 Mill Street Springfield, MA 01108 413-737-2691 United Way s leadership role in our community brings together a network of people and organizations necessary to address problems at their root causes. United Way works closely with businesses, schools, government, faith-based groups and our traditional partner agencies to enhances the results of our work and maximizes your contributions. The key is aligning several organizations to pursue the same goal, to achieve greater results. Click Here for United Way of Pioneer Valley Western Mass Resource Learning Center The Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (RLC) supports individuals in finding their own paths to mental health recovery within the communities of their choice by offering trauma-sensitive peer supports and through the development of a regional peer network. The Western Mass RLC is entirely peer-run and is active in all four counties - Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire, and Franklin - of Western Massachusetts. click here for the Western Mass Resource Learning Center Western Mass Voice on Mental Illness NAMI is a grassroots, family and consumer self-help, support, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Severe mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders that can profoundly disrupt a person's ability to think, feel and relate to their environment and to others. Click Here Western Mass Voice on Mental Illness