FACT SHEET The National Health Information Center (NHIC) is a health information referral service. NHIC links consumers and health professionals who have health questions to organizations best able to provide answers. NHIC was established in 1979 by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), within the Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NHIC’s objectives are to:
NHIC meets these objectives by providing:
Database NHIC maintains on online directory of more than 1,800 health-related organizations that can provide health information. They include Federal and State government agencies, voluntary and professional associations, and universities. The database is accessible to the public through the healthfinder® Web site. Referral Services When consumers and health professionals call, write,
or send electronic mail, NHIC referral specialists search the
organization database and resource files to find the most appropriate
organizations. Referral
Callers also are given a brief description of the organization’s services. In some cases, written requests are referred directly to the organizations. NHIC does not diagnose disease, recommend health care providers, or perform in-depth research. Publications NHIC produces general resource guides in the healthfinder® series that cover a wide range of health topics. These include annual editions of the following, which are available in print, on diskette, and on the Web:
For Service: Write: National Health Information
Center Call: (800) 336-4797 (toll-free) or E-mail: info@nhic.orgFax: (301) 984-4256World Wide Web:
http://www.health.gov/nhic |
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NHIC is a service of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. last updated: 10/01/02 Return to the NHIC Home Page |