Health & Medical Care
← Back to Resource DirectoryAlzheimer’s Association Helpline
The Alzheimer’s Association provides 24/7 support through its national helpline, offering confidential crisis intervention, information on caregiving, and referrals to local resources. They facilitate support groups, educational programs, and clinical trial connections for individuals living with dementia and their families.
Website: alz.org
Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
American Cancer Society (ACS)
The ACS offers a 24/7 helpline for cancer information and connects patients with local resources. Key programs include the Road To Recovery®, which provides free transportation to treatment, and Hope Lodge, which offers free lodging for patients traveling for care.
Website: cancer.org
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Area Agency on Aging of Broward County
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Broward County serves as the primary entry point for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to access public and private health and human services. They provide information, referral services, and long-term care screenings for programs like the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC).
Website:
adrcbroward.org
Phone: 954-745-9779
Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation provides resources to help manage pain and improve quality of life. They offer "Live Yes! Connect Groups" for peer support, educational webinars, and the "Walk With Ease" program. Their toll-free helpline provides personalized information and referrals to local specialists.
Website: arthritis.org
Helpline: 1-800-283-7800
CPR, AED & First Aid Training & Certification
Official safety training for individuals, healthcare professionals, and workplaces. Courses cover adult and pediatric CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, and basic first aid.
Find American Red Cross Classes
Find American Heart Association Classes
Epilepsy Alliance Florida
Epilepsy Alliance Florida provides specialized case management and support services for individuals living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Their dedicated program for those experiencing homelessness includes individualized plans of care, assistance in accessing neurological medical services, medication coordination, and social service referrals to help stabilize their health and housing situation.
Broward Office: 954-779-1509
Miami Office: 305-670-4949
Website: epilepsyalliancefl.org
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health is the state agency responsible for protecting and improving public health across Florida through disease prevention, health education, and medical services. It oversees county health departments and regulates and oversees medical providers, while also providing immunizations, vital records, and STD and HIV testing services. The department responds to public health emergencies and promotes healthy behaviors through community programs, inspections, and statewide health initiatives aimed at reducing health risks.
General Info: 850-245-4444
Broward County: 954-467-4700
Miami-Dade County: 305-324-2400
Website: FloridaHealth.gov
Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS)
Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS)A state agency that provides vocational rehabilitation to help blind individuals find and keep jobs. They also manage the Talking Books library program and provide specialized equipment.
Miami Office: 305-377-5339
Broward Office: 954-746-1770
Website: dbs.fldoe.org
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicaid offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The program covers essential medical services and can assist with private health insurance costs based on income and eligibility.
Phone: 850-300-4323
Apply for Assistance Online
Food Safety & Health Code Violations
Official portal for reporting health and safety violations at public food service establishments (restaurants, mobile food vehicles, caterers) and lodging facilities.
File a Complaint: Use the DBPR Online Complaint Portal to report foodborne illnesses, unsanitary conditions, or pest infestations.
Jurisdiction: The Division of Hotels and Restaurants regulates restaurants and hotels.
For Schools, Nursing Homes, or Jails: Contact the Florida Department of Health (850-245-4250).
For Grocery Stores or Bakeries: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (1-800-HELP-FLA).
Consumer Contact Center: Call 850-487-1395 for assistance with filing a report or checking a license status.
Free & Low-Cost Health Clinic Locator
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) provides a comprehensive database to help uninsured and underinsured individuals locate clinics that offer medical, dental, and pharmacy services. These member clinics are community-based non-profits that provide a safety net for those who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
Phone: 703-647-7427
Find a Clinic
Gilda’s Club South Florida
Gilda’s Club provides free social and emotional support for anyone impacted by cancer, including patients, survivors, and families. They offer support groups, wellness workshops, educational lectures, and social activities to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
Phone: 954-763-6776
Website: gildasclubsouthflorida.org
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) is a public-benefit corporation designed to bypass the complex middleman system of the pharmaceutical industry. By working directly with manufacturers and charging a flat, transparent markup, they offer over 2,300 medications at prices that are often lower than typical insurance co-pays.
Website: costplusdrugs.com
Medical Provider or Facility Concerns
If you have concerns about a doctor, nurse, hospital, clinic, or other medical provider, you can report issues such as unsafe care, professional misconduct, billing problems, HIPAA privacy violations, or unlicensed practice. Complaints are reviewed by state and federal agencies to protect patient safety, enforce medical standards, and investigate violations.
Florida Department of Health
Regulates and investigates licensed medical professionals and healthcare providers in Florida, including complaints about misconduct and unsafe practice.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Oversees hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and investigates complaints related to healthcare facility care and safety.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Handles complaints for massage therapists, cosmetologists, nail salons, barbers, tattoo artists, and various additional professions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office for Civil Rights
Enforces HIPAA privacy and security rules and investigates complaints involving improper disclosure of medical information, denial of access to records, and healthcare discrimination.
Medicine Assistance Tool
A centralized web-based search engine that helps patients, caregivers, and providers identify and navigate the various financial assistance programs offered by biopharmaceutical manufacturers.
Hotline: 571-350-8643
Online: medicineassistancetool.org
Poison Control Hotline
Immediate guidance for accidental poisoning, medication errors, or exposure to toxic substances. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 immediately.
Human Poisoning: Call 1-800-222-1222.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435 (a fee may apply).
The Deaf Hotline
The Deaf Hotline is a confidential, 24 hour crisis support service for Deaf and DeafBlind individuals who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or related abuse. It provides safety planning, emotional support, and connections to local resources such as shelters, legal assistance, and advocacy services. Communication support is available in American Sign Language to ensure accessible and direct crisis help.
Videophone (VP): 1-855-812-1001
Website: thedeafhotline.org