WWW.FREEHELPBRANSON.COM

MEDICAL

IMPORTANT: Keep an emergency first aid kit available at all times. Keep a few gallons of water. Keep items like soup, Gatorade, aspirin etc. for flu-season. You don’t want to go to the store if you are feeling ill and in case of an emergency you don’t have time to run to the store.

SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-TALK

FREE MEDICAL CLINIC BRANSON 118 3rd St Mon or Wed for walk-ins 10-1 p.m. Income must be 200 % of poverty level or below; for Stone and Taney County residences only. No phone, no email contact #'s.

Branson Health Department (417) 334-3354

DSS MO HealthNet Division
General Information
573-751-3425 The purpose of the MO HealthNet Division is to purchase and monitor health care services for low income and vulnerable citizens of the State of Missouri.

Health Care-Information & Referral Services Nova Center of the Ozarks, Inc (417) 239-0030 333 Corporate Pl Branson, MO

MC+ for Kids (888)-275-5908 Health insurance for children in need under 19 years of age.

Skaggs Nurse Advice Line 1-800-339-1212 Calls answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Stone County Health Center (417) 357-6134 109 E 4^th St Galena, MO or 272-0050 , 15765 State Hwy 13 Branson West, MO Provides public health services to all residents of Stone County.

Taney County Council on Aging (417) 546-6100 13879 US Hwy 160 Forsyth, MO

Taney County Health Center For all your medical needs. Forsyth, MO

The Crisis Center of Taney County, Inc. (800) 379-0074 Branson, MO Emergency support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and their children.

TEL-LINK

Get Connected to Better Health
1-800-TEL-LINK or 1-800-835-5465 TEL-LINK will connect you to:

Alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers
Area offices for children with special health care needs
Baby Your Baby programs
Child care resource and referral agencies
Child support enforcement agencies
Community health centers
Domestic violence shelters
Local public health agencies
Mental health centers
Non-emergency medical transportation services (Medicaid-eligible only)
Pediatric and delivering hospitals
Prenatal clinics
Regional center
Sexual assault centers
Social service agencies
Well child clinics
Women, infants & children (WIC) agencies
Other health care agencies

AIDS PROJECT of the OZARKS: 1901 E. Bennet St. Suite D Springfield, MO 65804 417-881-1900 Toll-free: 1-800-743-5769 Fax: 417-881-1237 www.aidsprojectoftheozarks Contact: Lynne Meyercord, Executive Director Disabilities Served: HIV Counties Served: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Shannon, Taney, Texas, Webster, Wright, Vernon Those who fall within the 300% federal poverty guideline Services: case management; referral service; speakers bureau; educational information and resources; testing services; volunteer services; health services; mental health services; nutrition

ALS ASSOCIATION: 1721 W. Elfindale St., Suite 101 Springfield, MO 65807 417-886-5003 Toll-free: 1-888-368-1200 Website: www.alsa-midwest.org

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION Southwest Missouri Chapter; 1500 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 417-886-2199 or Toll-free: 1-800-487-0747; www.alz-swmo.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Suite R, Springfield, MO 65807; 417-881-4668; www.cancer.org

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION, INC. 1944 E. Sunshine Street, Suite A, Springfield, MO 65804; Ph: 417-890-8400; Toll-free: 1-800-216-2464;

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 2446 E. Madrid Ave., Springfield, MO 65804; Ph: 417-881-1121; Toll-free: 1-800-439-2648; www.americanheart.org

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION of WESTERN MISSOURI 2053 S. Waverly Ave., Suite D, Springield, MO 65804; Ph: 417-883-7177 www.lungusa.org

AREA AGENCIES on AGING

Southwest Missouri Office on Aging; 1735 South Fort Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807-1204; Ph: 417-862-0762; Fax: 417-865-2683; Toll-free: 800-4497-0822; Executive Director: Dorothy Knowles; swmoa@swmoa.com; www.swmoa.com

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLGY and DEVICES There are many devices that make it easier for you to perform your normal activities.

Southwest Center for Independent Living (SCIL); 2684 S. Nettleton Ave. Springfield, MO 65807 Ph: 417-886-1188 (Voice/TTY); Toll-free: 1-800-676-7245; www.swcil.org This agency can provide resources for assistive and devices for many different kinds of disabilities. Samples of various technology and devices are available for you to try. Specialists can advise you about financial assistance that you may be eligible to receive.

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 149 Park Central Square, Room 640 Springfield, MO 65806 417-895-6386 www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/rsb/index.htm Provides vocational and independent-living rehabilitation and mobility instruction.

BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION of the OZARKS 330 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806; Toll-free: 1-866-874-1915 www.bcfo.org

CANCER CENTERS

Hulston Cancer Center 3850 S. National Ave., Suite 120, Springfield, MO 65807; 417-269-5257; www.coxhealth.com

St. John's Mid-America Cancer Center 2055 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 417-820-2273; www.stjohns.com

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Caregiver Talk Time St. John's Mid-America Cancer Center 2055 S. Fremont Ave., Room 116 Springfield, MO 65804 417-820-3324 Meets on the first Thursday of the month. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Daycare is not provided.

Today's Caregiver Magazine This magazine is on the news stands, or you can sign up for the online version. www.caregiver.com

Council Churches of the Ozarks 627 N. Glenstone Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-3586 www.ccozarks.org A coalition of area churches that administers human services projects including Crosslines, Homebound Shoppers, Eldercare Transit, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

CoxHealth Senior Advantage 1000 E. Walnut Lawn St. Springfield, MO 417-269-3616 www.coxhealth.com Offers a variety of programs important to seniors, including health and wellness seminars. Volunteers provide assistance with Medicare and insurance questions.

Division of Senior Services and Regulation 149 Park Central Square Springfield, MO www.dhss.mo.gov/SeniorServices/index.html

Senior Services Section: 417-895-6433 Administers in-home services for seniors including Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid. Investigates suspected elder abuse and neglect hotline calls.

Long Term Care Section: 417-895-6435 Inspects assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Receives and investigates reports of suspected elder abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities.

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) 215 S. Barnes Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-4314 www.oacac-caa.org Helps low-income individuals and families with assistance for utilities, food, clothing, rent and programs to help achieve self-sufficiency.

St. John's Seniors St. John's Regional Health Center 1235 E. Cherokee St. Springfield, MO 65804 417-820-2449 www.stjohns.com

Volunteers answer questions and provide health insurance counseling and assistance with Medicare billing. St. John's Seniors offers many volunteer opportunities and educational programs.

Alzheimer's Association: Southwest Missouri Chapter 1500 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 417-886-2199; www.alz-swmo.org Limited respite care financial assistance is available for caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzhiemer's disease or related dementia.

In-Home Respite Care: Southwest Missouri Office on Aging (SWMOA) 1735 S. Fort Ave., Springfield, MO 65807; Ph: 417-862-0762 or Toll-free: 1-800-497-0822; www.swmoa.com Respite care is available for people age 60 and older. Contributions are encouraged, but no eligible persons will be denied service due to inability to pay. SWMOA also maintains a list of people you can hire to provide respite care.

DENTAL

Department of Social Services (DSS MO HealthNet Division General Information
573-751-3425 The purpose of the MO HealthNet Division is to purchase and monitor health care services for low income and vulnerable citizens of the State of Missouri.

Elks Mobile Dental Program The Elks Mobile Dental Program utilizes three dental vans to bring accessible dental care to the areas of the state that need it most. It provides basic dental care for children with special health care needs and special populations, through a public-private partnership among the Elks Benevolent Trust, the Department of Hospital Dentistry at Truman Medical Center East, and the DHSS.

Medicaid Dental Clinics

Jordan Valley Dental Clinic: 618 N. Benton Ave. (Mail only: P.O. 5681), Springfield, MO 65801; Ph: 417-832-0083

Springfield Denture Center: 3016 N. Kentwood Ave., Springfield, MO 65803; 417-883-1474 or Toll-free: 1-800-909-6027

LOW INCOME DENTAL CLINIC:

The Kitchen Clinic: 1630 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65803; Ph: 417-837-1504; www.kitchenministries.org

OTHER DENTAL SERVICES

Donated Dental Services (DDS): Toll-free: 1-800-365-7229; www.nfdh.org/DDS.html

EYE CARE/VISION CARE

What does Medicare cover? Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contact lenses. After cataract surgery: Medicare covers 100% of the cost of glasses, contact lenses or intraocular lenses. Glaucoma Screening: Medicare covers 80% of the cost of one glaucoma screening for those at high risk for glaucoma. Age-related Macular Degeneration: Medicare covers 80% of the cost for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. What does Medicaid cover? Medicaid will pay for eye exams, one new pair of eyeglasses every two years, and medically necessary procedures. For a list of Medicaid/MC+ optical providers, call: Toll-free: 1-800-392-2161.

Vision Care for Veterans: John J. Pershing Veterans Medical Center 1500 N. Westwood Blvd. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 1-573-686-4151

Vision Care for Low-Inccome Adults

Gift of Sight LensCrafters will provide eyeglasses to individuals who qualify for their program. This is a referral-based program which means that the arrangements need to be made by a social service organization, such as the Division of Senior Services and Regulation, the Southwest Center for Independent Living, or the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging.

HEARING ASSISTANCE

What does Medicare cover? Medicare pays for diagnostic hearing and balance exams. All services must be done by a doctor. Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or fittings.

What does Medicaid cover? Medicaid helps pay for hearing examinations, hearing aids and related services. Medicaid does not pay for hearing aid batteries.

RELAY MISSOURI Relay Missouri is a telecommunications relay service, providing telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. Operators complete all calls and stay on-line to relay messages electronically over a text telephone, a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). Toll-free: 1-800-676-3777; www.relaymissouri.com

And when is helping someone who has an addiction not the right thing to do? It is when you make excuses for them. Tough love is what is needed. Get help for yourself to understand their addiction and try to get the person with an addiction to go for help. You are responsible for yourself and what you do and say. Work on yourself. Seek guidance from professionals and 12 step meetings. Then you will be able to cope with whatever happens in a rational manner.

If you love or have loved an addict you know how selfish they are. Everything has to do with them and no matter how much you give, they will always want more, need more. They will drain you financially, physically, and emotionally.

If you think the addict is feeling guilty, you are wrong. In fact, they don’t think about you at all. They are too busy thinking of ways to get what they want when they want it. Oh they may tell you they are sorry, but they aren’t. Telling you is a ploy to get what they want from you. They will say or do anything.

So where does that leave you? It leaves you fending for yourself and building a life of your own. It leaves you needing help from a 12-step program and/or professional counseling. It means it is past time you start taking care of yourself. Yes, it sounds tough but then that is what “tough love is”. You cut the addict off and stand by your decision. Make them responsible for themselves and their actions.

Don’t get me wrong, you probably still love them and may even remain married to them, but you don’t help them keep living the type of life they have been living. And you don’t have to be living the roller coaster life either. Go to 12-step meetings, meet new people who understand what you are going through. Take classes at your local community center, take crafting or art classes, join walking or jogging clubs. Make up your mind you are going to have a “me” day. Have your hair done, go to a spa, or pack up a picnic and invite a friend to go to the park. Pretty soon your calendar will be so full that you aren’t so affected by the addict. In fact, you may decide you don’t want to be married to the addict anymore. You may want to divorce and start a new life with someone new.

NOTE: anyone with low income can get a great many of their prescriptions free by contacting the pharmaceutical company that makes it. Call 1-888-477-2669 for help from any of the pharmaceutical companies (as mentioned many times on MONTEL WILLIAMS and all of the news stations. Here are the guidelines for PHIZER...800-707-8990 www.phizerhelpfulanswers.com For a family of one, your income cannot be more than $20,420. to get help. For a family of 2 it's $27,380. etc. For information on the current Federal Poverty Level visit www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty Go to the website above or call Phizer for more info. The website has instructions for you to follow and send the information to: Phizer Connection to Care Program, P.O. Box 66585, St. Louis. MO 63166-6585

Wyeth-Ayerest Pharmaceutical CO. (866)776-0760

For other pharmaceutical programs call the pharmaceutical company. You can get the number off the internet by doing a search on that name or call your pharmacist.

Bipolar Kids

www.bpkids.org/

Depression Help

www.depressionhelp.com/

The American Psychiatric Association

www.psych.org/

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

www.apa.org/

National Alliance of the Mentally Ill

www.nami.org

www.CancerTrialsHelp.org Volunteers for trials can help end patients dying from cancer.

www.clinicaltrials.gov Cardiac trials need volunteers as well as many other trials.

www.amgentrials.com

www.pfizeroncology.com Pfizer has a great website to learn many things and to read about prescription help too.

American Lung Association (816)842-5242 1-800-586-4872 2400 Troost Ave Suite 4300 Kansas City, MO 64108 www.lungusa.org

www.Disabilityinfo.gov

Contains information of interest to people with disabilities, their ... online connection to the Federal government's disability-related information and ...

www.disabilityinfo.gov

GENERIC DRUGS

A generic drug the the same as or the equivalent of a brand-name drug. The FDA requires generic drugs to be made with the equivalent active ingredients as their branded counterparts. Only inactive ingredients such as color and flavor (which don't affect the efficacy or safety of the drug) can vary. That is why they can look different than the brand-name version and why different generic versions of the same drug may not look alike. Please go to: www.fda.gov

Most insurance companies ask that you buy generic. And if your pharmacy doesn't carry many of the generics, you may need to go elsewhere for your medications. They are trying to make money and are looking out for themselves, not you, when they don't have generics available.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Missouri Department of Social Services Division of Medical Services 800-735-2966

Did you know that if you are Medicaid they will provide non-emergency medical transportation to your medical appointments if you: 1) do not have another way to get to your appointments 2) are eligible for Medicaid under a federal aid category on the date you need transportation, and 3) have a scheduled appointment with a Medicaid Provider to receive a covered service. Call 1-888-863-9513 M-Sat 7am to 6 pm call at least 5 days prior to your appointment.

Did you know many cities have medical transportation and is free to Medicaid recipients.

If you receive dialysis, call your Dialysis Center. If your child gets Medicaid services that are in the child’s individual education plan (IEP), the school district must provide a free ride. If you are 60 or older, or 18-59 and have a disability, call your local Area Agency on Aging.

Department of Health and Senior Services 573-751-6303

Missouri Medicaid Recipient Services Unit 1-800-392-2161

Missouri Patient Care Review Foundation 1-800-390-3330

MoRx Prescription drug coverage for Missourians (2workis with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to help seniors and persons with disabilities save money on prescription drugs. MoRx is free. When you join MoRx, they will send you a member ID card in the mail. 1-800-375-1406 TTY 1-800-375-1493. www.morx.mo.gov

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities Consumer Hotline 1-800-994-6610

Organ and tissue Donation Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. You can bring about a miracle by donating yours or your loved ones organs. Put it in writing that you want to donate your organs at the time of your death. Those who have donated their organs have changed the lives of the person receiving the transplant as well as their families and friends. Make a difference...sign up. You have nothing to lose and others have a lot to gain...a healthier life. They don't need to die...you can save a life. Ask your Dr. for an informational brochure or ask at any hospital. And be sure to check mark it on the back of your drivers license.

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION (212) 363-3500 120 Wall St 22nd Floor, NY, NY 10005 email: mtomecki@afsp.org www.afsp.org

Euthanasia Research and Guidance Org (ERGO) (541) 998-1873 24829 Norris Ln. Junction City, OR 97448-9559 email: ergo@efn.org www.finalexit.org

The Right To Die Society of Canada (416) 535-0690 532 Montreal Rd. Suite 200 Ottawa, ON K1K 4R4 CANADA email: rights@islandnet.com www.right.org/deathnet The society respects the right of any mature individual who is chronically or terminally ill to choose the time, place, and means of his or her death. It helps patients through the dying process. It publishes informational pamphlets, brochures, and the periodic serial Last Rights.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

SNM Advancing Molecular Imaging & Therapy: Clinical Trials, how it can improve care, online research info, online research info and more. www.snm.org

Radiology Info Research for patients: diagnostic, interventional, nuclear, radiation therapy info, and more. www.radiologyinfo.org

ORGAN DONATION

www.giftoflife.com donate organs

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Crisis Pregnancy Center 637-7700

Elderly Abuse & Neglect Hotline 800-392-0210

Habitat for Humanity (Northland) 468-7190

Missing Children Help Center 800-872-5437

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 800-843-5678

National Child Abuse Hotline 800-422-4453

National Fraud Info Center 800-876-7060

National Runaway Switchboard 800-621-4000

National STD Hotline 800-227-8922

Parental Stress Help Line 800-367-2543

Social Services 660-259-2294

NOTE: For peace of mind get your senior a TracFone where you can purchase minutes if you need more, one of the SIMPLE cell phone, or look into med alert. It can bring both you and them security and peace of mind and well worth it.

Missouri Department of Social Services Division of Medical Services 800-735-2966

Did you know many cities have medical transportation and is free to Medicaid recipients.

Department of Health and Senior Services 573-751-6303

Missouri Medicaid Recipient Services Unit 1-800-392-2161

Missouri Patient Care Review Foundation 1-800-390-3330

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities Consumer Hotline 1-800-994-6610

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION (212) 363-3500 120 Wall St 22nd Floor, NY, NY 10005 email: mtomecki@afsp.org www.afsp.org

Euthanasia Research and Guidance Org (ERGO) (541) 998-1873 24829 Norris Ln. Junction City, OR 97448-9559 email: ergo@efn.org www.finalexit.org

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

SNM Advancing Molecular Imaging & Therapy: Clinical Trials, how it can improve care, online research info, online research info and more. www.snm.org

Radiology Info Research for patients: diagnostic, interventional, nuclear, radiation therapy info, and more. www.radiologyinfo.org

ORGAN DONATION

www.giftoflife.com donate organs

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Crisis Pregnancy Center 637-7700

Elderly Abuse & Neglect Hotline 800-392-0210

Habitat for Humanity (Northland) 468-7190

Missing Children Help Center 800-872-5437

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 800-843-5678

National Child Abuse Hotline 800-422-4453

National Fraud Info Center 800-876-7060

National Runaway Switchboard 800-621-4000

National STD Hotline 800-227-8922

Parental Stress Help Line 800-367-2543

Social Services 660-259-2294

BURIAL OR CREMATION

Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri 5561 NW Barry Road (816) 822-9888 www.KCcremation.com Did you know you can pay by installments or even have it paid by your insurance company upon your death. But by signing up now, it freezes the price. Basic cremation starts at $1,070. and funeral and burial start at $1,995.

END OF LIFE ORGANIZATIONS

Death With Dignity National Center 520 SW 6th Ave Suite 1030, Portland, OR 97204 (503)228-4415 www.deathwithdignity.org Email: info@deathwithdignity.org

Dying With Dignity, Canada 55 Eglinton Ave East Suite 802, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1G8 (800)495-6156 www.dyingwithdignity.ca Email: info@dyingwithdignity.ca

Euthanasia Research and Guidance Organization (ERGO) 24829 Norris Lane, Junction City, OR 97448-9552 (541)998-1873 www.finalexit.org Email: ergo@efn.org

World Federation Of Right To Die Societies www.worldrtd.net

BE AN ORGAN, EYE, OR TISSUE DONOR

www.missouriorgandonor.com

www.dhss.mo.gov/OrganDonor form to fill out or call 1-888-497-4564 toll free

LINKS

Funeral Consumers Alliance (816) 561-6322 4501 Walnut St Kansas City MO 64111