AIDS Institute, The

*The institute offers education, information, reference materials *Promotes social change through public policy analysis, research, advocacy, and education; research efforts focus on prevention, treatment, and care services *Agency conducts and coordinates a range of studies involving AIDS and related healthcare issues such as Hepatitis and other infectious diseases

Services: Medical and Health Sciences Research, Medical Information Services, Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups

Aid for AIDS International

*Collects unused HIV medications and antibiotics to distribute to persons with AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean only, none in United States *Mail donated medication to: AFA, 131 Varick St, Ste 1006, New York, New York 10013 *Education, prevention, training, and advocacy programs targeting those living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries

Services: Donated Specialty Items, Prescription Expense Assistance

ADA National Information Line

*ADA Information Line, division of the US Department of Justice, provides information about the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses, state and local governments, or individuals about general or specific ADA requirements and standards *Offers free ADA materials and information about filing a complaint *Calls are confidential

Services: Accessibility Related Standards/Legislation Compliance, ADA Implementation Assistance, Consumer Complaints

Ability1st, Center for Independent Living of North FL

*Core services for persons with disabilities including independent living skills training, information and referral to other relevant organizations, and peer support including a weekly mental health support group *Durable medical equipment loans such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower chairs and disposable medical supplies (incontinence products) for low income persons with disabilities; special funding available for the purchase of equipment for those living with paralysis, there may be a wait list depending on the type of equipment needed *Home Modification Program provides home improvements necessary to eliminate health, safety and architectural barriers including wheelchair ramp construction, halfsteps, handrails, widening doorways and replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower *FTRI Amplified Phones (free) for persons with hearing or speech loss; beginning and intermediate American Sign Language classes open to any adult in the community *Youth Transition: High School High Tech (HSHT) gives youth ages 14-22 with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or post-secondary education leading to technology-related careers; open to youth from Leon, Gadsden or Wakulla counties, activities include career counseling and workshops, industry and campus tours, summer internships, and community service projects *Assistance in applying for social security benefits for persons with dual diagnosis (mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities)

Services: ADA Implementation Assistance, Daily Living Aids, Health/Disability Related Support Groups, Home Barrier Evaluation/Removal Services, Independent Living Skills Instruction, Medical Equipment/Supplies, Mobility Aids, Prosthetic Devices, Youth Employment Programs

AARP Florida

*AARP (Formerly American Association of Retired Persons) assists people age 18 and over to stay informed on issues important to this age group *Advocates on legislative, consumer and legal issues, offers services to members including AARP Magazine, AARP Bulletin monthly newsletter, community programs such as Tax-Aide to help with filling out tax forms, Driver Safety and Money Management courses, and Benefits *All Florida offices can be reached through the main toll free number

Services: Aging/Older Adult Support Groups, Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups, Senior Advocacy Groups

AAANF, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, Inc

*Area Agency on Aging for North Florida (aka Advantage Aging Solutions) serves the public through the Elder Helpline and website as a network of information, referral and assistance to seniors, caregivers, professionals, and general public *SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), Senior Wellness, Caregiver Support, and prescription assistance *EHEAP - Utility assistance (heating and cooling only, not water) for seniors 60+ who already have or are about 5 days away from a disconnect notice and meet federal income guidelines; assistance consists of screening, information and referrals to other agencies such as Elder Care in Leon and Senior Centers in outlying counties; callers given thorough explanation of eligibility and what to expect when contacting agencies; utility payment assistance may be sporadic due to variations in funding *Agencies they refer to may run out of funds before the end of the month *Assistance may be available once per cooling season and once per heating season *Provides elder services during disasters *Assist individuals with accessing Medicaid Long Term Care and other home and community based services *Area Resource Directory at https://www.

Services: Adult Education, Area Agencies on Aging, Caregiver Counseling, Disaster Relief Services, Prescription Expense Assistance, Utility Service Payment Assistance

4FLHero Traumatized First Responders and Law Enforcements

*2-1-1 comprehensive information and referral helpline: health and human services programs, counseling and advocacy *Providing 24/7 support to everyone in the community to include: including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts, and other emotional or situational distress *Statewide Substance Abuse Hotline: drug information, local or national referrals for counseling, crisis intervention locations; search website at http://www.

Services: 211 Systems, Comprehensive Information and Referral, General Crisis Intervention Hotlines, Sexual Assault Hotlines, Suicide Prevention Hotlines, Veteran/Military Hotlines

2-1-1 Search, www.211.org

*The www.

Services: 211 Systems, Comprehensive Information and Referral

2-1-1 Big Bend, Volunteer Program

*Helpline 2-1-1, Lifeline, Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline, and Florida Family Health Line rely heavily on volunteers for staffing *Volunteer counselors trained in crisis counseling, active listening, information and referral, HIV/AIDS and other topics *Training held three times a year, typically two nights each week for about two months, and also involves two or three weekend sessions; alternative training schedules occasionally offered *Persons not wanting to do telephone counseling have many other volunteer opportunities

Services: 211 Systems, Volunteer Opportunities

2-1-1 Big Bend, Inc

*Comprehensive information and referral for Helpline 211 in Big Bend area, for Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline and Florida Family Health Line *Telephone counseling *Crisis intervention and information services, suicide helpline *Search on-line Big Bend area and HIV/AIDS programs

Services: 211 Systems, Call Center Volunteer Opportunities, Comprehensive Information and Referral, Information Sources, Suicide Prevention Hotlines