Government Agencies

City of San Diego Health Agencies and Associations

Clean Syringe Exchange Program - Family Health Centers of San Diego is the current provider for San Diego's clean syringe exchange program, which is funded by Alliance Healthcare Foundation.

Community Directory - Information on all aspects of the San Diego community, from basic neighborhood services to disability services, library information, recreation, safety, and city cemetery, and more.

Disability Services - City of San Diego general information for people with disabilities. The San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services program provides sports, recreation, leisure, and outreach services to San Diegans with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.

Fire-Rescue Department - Information on 9-1-1, safety and education, and other San Diego fire, lifeguard, and emergency medical services.

Homeless Services - Homeless services available in the City of San Diego.

Recreational Activities and Programs - Information on City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department activities and programs.

Senior Services - Information on senior services including homeless providers and services, park and recreation services, Senior Volunteer Patrol, and other volunteer opportunities for seniors. See also Senior Citizen Services from the Park & Recreation Department.

Victim Resources - San Diego Police Department information, resources, and assistance for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, elder and dependent abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault.

Disclaimer: The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library provides public access to a wide range of health and medical information and is not a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your physician or other health care professional concerning specific questions or to obtain medical advice.

The links found on this website do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, its affiliates, or individuals. We are not responsible for and do not sanction the information contained in websites linked from this site.

County of San Diego Health Agencies and Associations

Aging and Independence Services - AIS provides numerous programs and services to older adults, people with disabilities, and their family members to help keep clients safely in their homes and promote healthy and vital living. Click here for the AIS Call Center or call 1-800-510-2020.

Alcohol and Drug Services - ADS provides an integrated system of community-based alcohol and other drug prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services throughout San Diego County via contracts with local service providers.

Children's Services - Programs and services to protect, serve, and enrich children. Includes information on abuse, foster care, adoptions, childcare, child support, and the health and safety of babies.

Discount Prescription Card - The County of San Diego participates in this free discount program offered by Coast2Coast Rx Card. Residents of the county can click here to obtain a free card. The program includes participation by pharmacies to provide annual savings up to 55%.

Emergency Services - The Office of Emergency Services coordinates the overall county response to disasters. Information on emergency management resources, disaster preparedness, family disaster plan, and community services. Oficina de Servicios de Emergencias en Español.

Grossmont Healthcare District - The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that strives to provide the best resources and information to address the unmet healthcare needs of its community. It represents more than one-half million people residing within the District's 750 square miles in San Diego's East County region. It operates the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library. For a map of the district, click here. To confirm you are a resident of the district, click here and enter your residence information.

Health and Human Services Agency - HHSA is one of five divisions of the San Diego County government. The agency provides a broad range of health and social services, promoting wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life. For quick information, see All Services A-Z. For list of services by department, including phone numbers and some addresses, see Health and Human Services Agency Directory.

HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch - This County of San Diego agency offers counseling and testing, care and treatment, AIDS drug assistance program, partner counseling and referral, and HIV and STD prevention services.

Immunizations - County of San Diego agency provides information and education on vaccine-preventable diseases, school required vaccinations, and immunization clinics, including the Public Health Center - East in El Cajon. Free or low-cost immunization clinics for children under the age of two (depending on ability to pay).

Mental Health Services - Adult and Older Adult - A/OAMHS offers a wide variety of treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery services to help people who are experiencing persistent and severe mental illness or a mental health crisis. Services listed are County-operated mental health services. For other services, click here for the San Diego County Network of Care for Behavioral Health, a comprehensive resource for individuals, families, and agencies. Mental Health Services - Children - CMHS aids children and adolescents who are emotionally disturbed and their families. CMHS offers a wide variety of services, from early intervention to residential services. Services listed are County-operated mental health services. For other services, click here for the San Diego County Network of Care for Behavioral Health, a comprehensive resource for individuals, families, and agencies.

Public Health Services - PHS is dedicated to community wellness and health protection in San Diego County. It works to prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, prevent injuries, promote and encourage healthy behaviors, respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery, and assure the quality and accessibility of health services throughout the county.

San Diego Regional Center [Developmentally Disabled] - SDRC serves as a focal point through which a person with a developmental disability and his or her family can obtain services and be linked to other community resources in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Veterans Services - San Diego County Veterans Services assists veterans and their dependents and survivors to obtain benefits from the federal, state, and local agencies administering programs for veterans.

Disclaimer: The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library provides public access to a wide range of health and medical information and is not a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your physician or other health care professional concerning specific questions or to obtain medical advice.

The links found on this website do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, its affiliates, or individuals. We are not responsible for and do not sanction the information contained in websites linked from this site.

State of California Health Agencies

Access for Infants and Mothers Program (AIM) - AIM is a California insurance program for mid-income pregnant women. Assists women with pregnancy healthcare expenses who do not have insurance, Medi-Cal, or Medicare. AIM can also help if you have insurance with a maternity-only deductible or copayment greater than $500. Click here for the San Diego County AIM program information.

Adult Health - The California Department of Health Care Services provides information on adult day health care, coordinated care management, family planning, long-term care alternatives, and information specific to men, women, and seniors.

Aging, Department of - The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state of California.

AIDS Office [Office of AIDS] - Provides HIV/AIDS resources and information on HIV testing and prevention, HIV care services, AIDS drug assistance, insurance assistance, housing information, and HIV/AIDS data. Office of AIDS A-Z Index.

Alcohol and Drug Programs Resource Center - The Resource Center at the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs maintains a comprehensive collection of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention and treatment information.

Arthritis Partnership Program - The California Arthritis Partnership Program is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions through increased awareness of the importance of physical activity and self-management, and increased access to evidence-based interventions.

Alzheimer's Disease Program - The California Department of Public Health Alzheimer's Disease Program provides clinical services to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through the network of ten California Alzheimer's Disease Centers located at university medical centers throughout the state, including UC San Diego.

Benefits CalWIN: Cal Fresh (Food Stamps) and Medi-Cal - Online resource for California cash aid, food & nutrition, and health benefits. Benefits vary by county. Click here for San Diego County.

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau - The California Department of Consumer Affairs Cemetery and Funeral Bureau provides a consumer guide, FAQs, pre-need Q&A's, and license look-up.

Developmental Services - The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the agency through which the state provides services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers.

Emergency Management Agency - The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) is responsible for the coordination of state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. It is responsible for assuring the state's readiness to respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. Offers resources and information about how to prepare for a disaster and keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.

Health Care Services - The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) works with other entities to provide a health care safety net for low-income residents and persons with disabilities. DHCS finances and administers individual health care service delivery programs, including the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal). For more information see Department of Health Care Services A-Z Index.

Health Facilities Consumer Information System - HFCIS website provides health care consumers and the general public with information about licensed long-term care facilities and hospitals throughout California. Locate a facility by entering a zip code, city, or county. The site provides profile information for each facility, including ownership, acceptance of Medicare and/or Medi-Cal, and performance history.

Healthy Families Program (Affordable Health Care for Children) - The Healthy Families Program is low-cost insurance that provides health, dental, and vision coverage to children and teens who do not have insurance and do not qualify for free Medi-Cal.

Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention - The California Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program aims to reduce premature death and disability from heart disease and stroke. Site provides health information on heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and sodium. It also provides links to California Primary Stroke Centers and California PCI-Capable Hospitals (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), both of which include Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

Indian Health Program - The Indian Health Program (IHP) aims to improve the health status of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban, rural, and reservation or rancheria communities throughout California.

Medi-Cal (Medical Care Services) - Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. It pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Click here for information about qualifying for and enrolling in Medi-Cal.

Mental Health - The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) ensures through partnership the availability and accessibility of effective, efficient, culturally-competent services.

Public Health - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to create an effective public health infrastructure in California. Its core activities include promoting healthy lifestyles; preventing disease, disability, and premature death; protecting the public from unhealthy and unsafe environments; providing or ensuring access to health services; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. Extensive list of the programs and services in the Department of Public Health A-Z Index.

Rehabilitation, California Department of - The Department of Rehabilitation administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the country. It also provides consultation and counseling to meet its goal to provide services and advocacy that assist people with disabilities to live independently, become employed, and have equality in the communities in which they live and work.

Women's Health, Office of - The Office of Women's Health provides policy guidance and conducts research specific to women's health in California. Site provides health information, reports, resources, and links.

Disclaimer: The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library provides public access to a wide range of health and medical information and is not a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your physician or other health care professional concerning specific questions or to obtain medical advice.

The links found on this website do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, its affiliates, or individuals. We are not responsible for and do not sanction the information contained in websites linked from this site.

Federal Health Agencies

Administration on Aging - AoA, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, works to develop a comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective system of home and community-based services that helps elderly individuals maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities. Site includes links to local programs, help in finding benefits, and resources specific to older adults, caregivers, and aging professionals.

AIDS.gov - This website provides one-stop access to U.S. Government information on HIV and AIDS. Recursos sobre VIH/SIDA en Español.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Topics include diseases and conditions; emergency preparedness and response; environmental health; life stages and populations; healthy living; injury, violence, and safety; travelers' health; and workplace safety and health. Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades información en Español.

Clinical Trials - ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials. Site provides information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.

Eldercare Locator - A nationwide public service of the Administration on Aging that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services. The online database may be searched by location and type of service, or they can also be reached at 1-800-677-1116.

Flu.gov - Site provides one-stop access to U.S. Government information on seasonal, H1N1 (swine), H5N1 (bird), and pandemic flu. Información del gobierno de los EE.UU. sobre la gripe de temporada, la gripe H1N1 (porcina), la gripe H5N1 (de las aves), y la gripe pandémica en Español.

Food and Drug Administration - FDA provides information on the safety, effectiveness, and security of our nation's food supply; human and veterinary drugs; medical devices; vaccines, blood, and other biological products; cosmetics; dietary supplements; radiation-emitting products; and tobacco products. Publicaciones en Español.

FoodSafety.gov - Site is the gateway to food safety information provided by U.S. government agencies. Información federal sobre seguridad alimentaria en Español.

Girlshealth.gov - Site is provided by the Office on Women's Health to help girls (ages 10-16) learn about health, growing up, and issues they may face. It promotes healthy and positive behaviors in girls, giving them reliable and useful health information in a fun, easy-to-understand way. Site also provides information to parents and educators.

Health and Human Services - HHS is the U.S. government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. Provides information for families about diseases and prevention. Click here for A-Z index.

HealthCare.gov - Site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides information about health insurance options as well as the health care law. Información sobre el seguro en Español.

Healthfinder.gov - Provides resources on a wide range of health topics selected from over 1,600 government and nonprofit organizations. See Quick Guide to Healthy Living and Health A-Z. Información en Español.

Let's Move.gov - Site supports the comprehensive initiative dedicated to solving the problem of obesity by creating a healthy start for children, empowering parents and caregivers, providing healthy food in schools, improving access to healthy affordable food, and increasing physical activity. Información en Español.

Medicare.gov - The official U.S. Government site for Medicare provides comprehensive information including Medicare basics, health and drug plans, long-term care, and search tools for doctors, hospitals, supplies, and nursing homes under the Resource Locator. Includes a Manage Your Health section which contains advice about preventive health care such as vaccines, flu shots, and medical tests. El sitio oficial del gobierno de EE.UU. para Medicare en Español.

MyPlate.gov - The ChooseMyPlate site provides extensive information based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food guidance system called MyPlate. Información sobre MiPlato en Español.

National Center for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) - Part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, this site contains information for veterans and the general public about trauma and PTSD. The National Center for PTSD does not provide direct clinical care or referrals, but the site includes links to resources for treatment.

National Health Information Center - NHIC is a health information referral service. The Health Information Resource Database includes information on 1,400 organizations and government offices that provide health information upon request.

National Institutes of Health - NIH is the central office for the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers, including the following which have excellent consumer-friendly information and resources. Click here for Health Topics A-Z.

Nutrition.gov - A service of the National Agriculture Library and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nutrition.gov provides access to reliable government information on food, nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers. Información de la nutrición en Español.

President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - PCFSN acts as a catalyst to promote healthy lifestyles through fitness, sports, and nutrition programs and initiatives that educate, empower, and engage Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Social Security - U.S. Social Security Administration information about your Social Security number and card, retirement, disability, survivors, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, online claims & services, and news. Seguro Social información en Español and 14 other languages.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA provides information on issues relating to alcohol and drug abuse, including specific drugs, treatment, prevention, and recovery. La Administración de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias información en Español.

Vaccines.gov - U.S. Government gateway to information on vaccines and immunization for infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors. Provides resources from federal agencies for the general public.

Veterans Affairs - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides information for veterans from all branches of the military, including the wide range of benefits and health care. See also Health Topics A-Z Index.

Womenshealth.gov - The Office on Women's Health (OWH) works to promote health equity for women and girls. OWH leads programs to improve women's health and disseminates consumer health information. See also A-Z Health Topics. La Oficina de la Salud de la Mujer información en Español.

Disclaimer: The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library provides public access to a wide range of health and medical information and is not a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your physician or other health care professional concerning specific questions or to obtain medical advice.

The links found on this website do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, its affiliates, or individuals. We are not responsible for and do not sanction the information contained in websites linked from this site.