With more than 60 central World Wide Web sites on eight separate Web domains, the Department of Health and Human Services presents one of the richest and most reliable sources of information on the Internet. HHS documents on the Web include information on health and social issues, research-related data, and access to HHS services, including interactive sites.
For health information especially, the HHS sites are a unique resource. Consumers and professionals alike can find extensive health information, including data which is produced or supported by HHS agencies, as well as links to other information from sources that have been found reliable by HHS experts. It has been estimated that more than 10,000 health-related sites are on the Web. HHS Web sites and gateways can shorten searches and produce reliable information.
HEALTHFINDER, http://www.healthfinder.gov - A gateway site to help consumers find health and human services information quickly. HEALTHFINDER includes links to more than 1,250 Web sites, including more than 250 federal sites and 1,000 state, local, not- for-profit, university and other consumer health resources. Topics are organized in a subject index. With more than 7 million hits in its first two months of operations, HEALTHFINDER is currently rated fifth among consumers' favorite Web sites on the "Web 100" list.
MEDLINE, http://www.nlm.nih.gov - The world's most extensive collection of published medical information, coordinated by the National Library of Medicine. Originally designed primarily for health professionals and researchers, MEDLINE is also valuable for students and for those seeking more specific information about health conditions, research and treatment. Free access to MEDLINE was initiated June 26. "PubMed," a free on-line service, will provide direct Web links between MEDLINE abstracts and the publishers of full-text articles.
NIH HEALTH INFORMATION PAGE, http://www.nih.gov/health/ - Provides a single access point to the consumer health information resources of the National Institutes of Health, including the NIH Health Information Index, NIH publications and clearinghouses and the Combined Health Information Database.
CANCERNET, http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov - Provides up-to-date, accurate medical information on cancer. Also contains a directory of genetic counselors, physicians, geneticists and nurses who have expertise in counseling about familial risk and genetic testing for cancer. More cancer information is also available from the National Cancer Institute (http://rex.nci.nih.gov)
MAMMOGRAPHY, http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/faclist.html - Listing of facilities providing mammography which are certified by the Food and Drug Administration as meeting baseline quality standards. The list is searchable by area or zip code.
IMMUNIZATION, http://www.cdc.gov/nip/home.htm - Answers frequently-asked questions about childhood immunization, including current recommendations on what shots children need and when.
TRAVELERS INFORMATION, http://www.cdc.gov/travel/travel.htm - Provides international travelers with current information on disease outbreaks and health issues. Includes information on recommended vaccinations, and links to CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program for sanitation inspections on international cruise ships.
TREATMENT FINDINGS, http://www.ahcpr.gov - HHS' Agency for Health Care Policy and Research provides data to help consumers make informed health care decisions about specific health conditions, prescriptions and other treatment issues. The site offers research results on what has been found to work best.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE, http://www.samhsa.gov - Information about substance abuse treatment and prevention. In addition, the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information is found at http://www.health.org, and background on research is available from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (http://www.nida.nih.gov) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov).
AGING, http://www.nih.gov/nia - Information from the National Institute on Aging regarding a wide range of topics, from specific diseases or health conditions to treatments and research. In addition, specific information from NIA about Alzheimers Disease is available (http://www.alzheimers.org/adear). Information about aging services and care is available from HHS' Administration on Aging (http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/elderpage.html), and information about Medicare is available from HHS' Health Care Finaning Administration (http://www.hcfa.gov).