Resources
Sources of Help and Information for Parents
Here is a complete list of contact information for the resources mentioned throughout this online California Parent Guide. Websites can be accessed by clicking on a resource's name. Phone numbers were current at the time of publication. Check a resource's website or call directory assistance for updated phone numbers.
If you are deaf or have a speech disability, you can use the relay service, 7-1-1. To learn more, visit ddtp.cpuc.ca.gov.
Spanish information available, except where noted by this symbol: ๐บ
Disability
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Department of Developmental Services Regional Center | Help finding services for children with developmental disabilities. | 1-916-654-1690 | dds.ca.gov/RC/index.cfm |
| California Department of Social Services | Contact information for county social services offices. | cdss.ca.gov/County-Offices๐บ | |
| California Early Start | Services for babies and toddlers at risk of disability or who have a disability. | 1-800-515-2229 | ceitan-earlystart.org/about/california-early-start-making-a-difference/ |
| California Employment Development Department | Information on State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave: These provide time off to care for a new baby or other family members. | edd.ca.gov/disability๐บ | |
| California Independent Living Centers | Community-based help for people with disabilities. | 1-916-325-1690 | dor.ca.gov/Home/IndependentLiving |
| Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline | Help with discipline problems and parent stress; child abuse prevention. | 1-800-422-4453 | childhelp.org/hotline |
| Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) | Free relay services and phone equipment for deaf and disabled Californians. | 1-800-806-1191 | ddtp.cpuc.ca.gov |
| Disability Rights California | Help with legal issues and getting services for people with disabilities. | Voice: 1-800-776-5746TTY: 1-800-719-5798 | disabilityrightsca.org |
| Early Start Family Resource Centers | Support for families of children with disabilities. | 1-916-993-7781๐บ | frcnca.org๐บ |
| IMAlive | Suicide prevention and mental health support provided by volunteers via online chat. | imalive.org๐บ | |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | Education and support for people with mental illness and their families. | 1-800-950-6264 | nami.org |
| National Center for Missing & Exploited Children | Information and resources for missing and exploited children. | 1-800-843-5678 | missingkids.com |
| National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability | Fitness and sports for people with disabilities. | 1-800-900-8086 | nchpad.org |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | Help for victims of domestic violence. | 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org |
| National Parent Helpline | Emotional and practical support for parents and caregivers. | 1-855-427-2736 | nationalparenthelpline.org/find-support/state-resources/california-resources |
| National Sexual Assault Hotline | Support and referrals to local resources. | 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.org |
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 24-hour phone access to trained counselors and local crisis centers. | 1-800-273-8255 | suicidepreventionlifeline.org |
| National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline | Support, information, resources, and live chat. | 1-866-331-9474 | loveisrespect.org |
| Organizations for parents | List of California agencies providing resources for families of children with disabilities. | cde.ca.gov/sp/se/qa/caprntorg.asp๐บ | |
| Postpartum Support International | 24-hour support for new mothers with depression. | 1-800-944-4773 | postpartum.net |
| Social Security Administration | Information on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov/espanol |
| Through the Looking Glass | Information for parents with disabilities. | 1-800-644-2666 | lookingglass.org |
California Department of Developmental Services Regional Center Help finding services for children with developmental disabilities.
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California Department of Social Services Contact information for county social services offices. |
California Early Start Services for babies and toddlers at risk of disability or who have a disability.
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California Employment Development Department Information on State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave: These provide time off to care for a new baby or other family members. |
California Independent Living Centers Community-based help for people with disabilities.
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Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Help with discipline problems and parent stress; child abuse prevention. |
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) Free relay services and phone equipment for deaf and disabled Californians.
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Disability Rights California Help with legal issues and getting services for people with disabilities. |
Early Start Family Resource Centers Support for families of children with disabilities.
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IMAlive Suicide prevention and mental health support provided by volunteers via online chat.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Education and support for people with mental illness and their families. |
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Information and resources for missing and exploited children.
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National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability Fitness and sports for people with disabilities.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline Help for victims of domestic violence.
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National Parent Helpline Emotional and practical support for parents and caregivers.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24-hour phone access to trained counselors and local crisis centers.
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National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Support, information, resources, and live chat.
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Organizations for parents List of California agencies providing resources for families of children with disabilities. |
Postpartum Support International 24-hour support for new mothers with depression.
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Social Security Administration Information on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
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Emotional Health and Violence Prevention
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Child Abuse Reporting | 24-hour hotlines for reporting child abuse or neglect in each county. | cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse๐บ | |
| California Department of Social Services | Contact information for county social services offices. | cdss.ca.gov/County-Offices๐บ | |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 24-hour confidential treatment referral and information service. | 1-800-662-4357 | samhsa.gov/find-help |
California Child Abuse Reporting 24-hour hotlines for reporting child abuse or neglect in each county.
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California Department of Social Services Contact information for county social services offices.
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SAMHSA National Helpline 24-hour confidential treatment referral and information service. |
Food and Nutrition
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalFresh | Californiaโs SNAP/food stamps program; food aid for people with low incomes. | 1-877-847-3663 | cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh |
| California 2-1-1 | Information and referral to services, including food assistance and disaster help. | 2-1-1๐บ | 211ca.org๐บ |
| California WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) | Advice and classes on breastfeeding and healthy eating; food coupons for women with low incomes. | 1-800-852-5770 | m.wic.ca.gov |
| Choose My Plate | Information on healthy eating. | choosemyplate.gov๐บ | |
| Fast, Fresh, and Fun | Healthy-eating cookbook from First 5 California. | first5california.com/videos-downloads.aspx?id=29&page=book&book=45115554&booktitle=Fast%2c+Fresh%2c+and+Fun๐บ | |
| Food Bank Finder | Search for a California food bank. | 1-866-321-4435 | cafoodbanks.org/find-food-bank |
| Foodsafety.gov | Information on how to keep and prepare food safely, as well as food recalls. | 1-888-723-3366๐บ | foodsafety.gov/risk/children๐บ |
| Nutrition.gov | Information on healthy eating. | nutrition.gov๐บ |
CalFresh Californiaโs SNAP/food stamps program; food aid for people with low incomes.
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California 2-1-1 Information and referral to services, including food assistance and disaster help.
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California WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Advice and classes on breastfeeding and healthy eating; food coupons for women with low incomes.
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Fast, Fresh, and Fun Healthy-eating cookbook from First 5 California.
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Foodsafety.gov Information on how to keep and prepare food safely, as well as food recalls.
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Health and Insurance
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Childrenโs Services | Health care for children with certain diseases or health problems | dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs๐บ | |
| California Dental Association | Help finding low-cost dental services. | 1-800-232-7645๐บ | cda.org/public-resources/low-cost-dental-services๐บ |
| California Department of Insurance | Help filing an appeal with your health insurance company. | 1-800-927-4357 | insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/101-help |
| California Department of Managed Health Care | Information about and help with health insurance. | 1-888-466-2219 | dmhc.ca.gov |
| California Department of Social Services | Contact information for county social services offices. | cdss.ca.gov/County-Offices๐บ | |
| California Employment Development Department | Information on State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave: These provide time off to care for a new baby or other family members. | edd.ca.gov/disability๐บ | |
| California Immunization Registry | Help with finding immunization records. | cairweb.org/parents-and-general-public๐บ | |
| Centers for Disease Control | Information for parents on child development, vaccines, food safety, and more. | cdc.gov/healthyliving๐บ | |
| Covered California (Californiaโs Affordable Care Act Program) | Help with buying private health insurance or enrolling in Medi-Cal. | 1-800-300-1506 | coveredca.com |
| Environmental Protection Agency | Tips on protecting children. | epa.gov/children/what-you-can-do-protect-children-environmental-risks๐บ | |
| Family PACT | Referrals for family planning services. | 1-800-942-1054 | familypact.org |
| Find a Dentist | Search tool for finding dentists who see children and accept Medi-Cal dental insurance. | insurekidsnow.gov/coverage/find-a-dentist/index.html๐บ | |
| Find a Pediatrician | Search tool to find childrenโs doctors. | healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/find-pediatrician/Pages/Pediatrician-Referral-Service.aspx๐บ | |
| For Parents: Vaccines for Your Children | Background information on vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control. | cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html๐บ | |
| Healthfinder.gov | Easy-to-use health information website. | healthfinder.gov๐บ | |
| Healthy Children | Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on childrenโs health, safety, and well-being. | healthychildren.org๐บ | |
| Immunization Branch | Information about vaccines from the California Department of Public Health. | cdph.ca.gov/immunize๐บ | |
| KidsHealth | Information on childrenโs health. | kidshealth.org๐บ | |
| KidsHealth Asthma Center | Information on living with asthma. | kidshealth.org/en/parents/center/asthma-center.html๐บ | |
| Medi-Cal | Health insurance if your income is low. | coveredca.com/medi-cal๐บ | |
| Medi-Cal Access Program | Low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women. | 1-800-433-2611 | mcap.dhcs.ca.gov |
| Newborn Hearing Screening | Local referrals for newborn hearing tests. | 1-877-388-5301 | dhcs.ca.gov/services/nhsp |
| Newborn Screening Program | Information on newborn health tests. | cdph.ca.gov/nbs๐บ | |
| Office of Womenโs Health | Information on womenโs health, including a national health line. | 1-800-994-9662 | womenshealth.gov |
| Planned Parenthood | Local referrals for birth control, prenatal care, and sexual health. | 1-800-230-7526 | plannedparenthood.org |
| Shots for School | List of vaccines needed before starting school in California. | shotsforschool.org๐บ | |
| Social Security Administration | Information on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov/espanol |
| What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick | Book about common childhood health problems, included in Kit for New Parents. | first5california.com๐บ |
California Childrenโs Services Health care for children with certain diseases or health problems |
California Dental Association Help finding low-cost dental services.
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California Department of Insurance Help filing an appeal with your health insurance company.
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California Department of Managed Health Care Information about and help with health insurance.
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California Department of Social Services Contact information for county social services offices.
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California Employment Development Department Information on State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave: These provide time off to care for a new baby or other family members. |
California Immunization Registry Help with finding immunization records.
|
Centers for Disease Control Information for parents on child development, vaccines, food safety, and more.
|
Covered California (Californiaโs Affordable Care Act Program) Help with buying private health insurance or enrolling in Medi-Cal.
|
Environmental Protection Agency Tips on protecting children.
|
Find a Dentist Search tool for finding dentists who see children and accept Medi-Cal dental insurance.
|
Find a Pediatrician Search tool to find childrenโs doctors.
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For Parents: Vaccines for Your Children Background information on vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control. |
Healthy Children Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on childrenโs health, safety, and well-being.
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Immunization Branch Information about vaccines from the California Department of Public Health.
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KidsHealth Asthma Center Information on living with asthma. |
Medi-Cal Access Program Low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women.
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Newborn Hearing Screening Local referrals for newborn hearing tests.
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Office of Womenโs Health Information on womenโs health, including a national health line.
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Planned Parenthood Local referrals for birth control, prenatal care, and sexual health.
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Shots for School List of vaccines needed before starting school in California.
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Social Security Administration Information on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
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What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick Book about common childhood health problems, included in Kit for New Parents. |
Learning and Technology
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| California School Directory | Online search tool; information about school. | cde.ca.gov/schooldirectory๐บ | |
| Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood | Information on how advertising works and sensible media use. | commercialfreechildhood.org๐บ | |
| Common Sense Media | Reviews and ratings for kids' shows, websites, and programs. | commonsensemedia.org๐บ | |
| Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions | Information about starting school in California. | cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kindergartenfaq.asp๐บ | |
| National Association for the Education of Young Children | Information on quality child care, help finding child care. | 1-800-424-2460๐บ | families.naeyc.org/find-quality-child-care๐บ |
| National Center for Learning Disabilities | Information on learning disabilities. | 1-888-575-7373๐บ | ncld.org๐บ |
| Talking Is Teaching | Information, videos, and tips for talking, reading, and singing with your child. | talkingisteaching.org๐บ | |
| Zero to Three | Information on early childhood. | 1-800-899-4301๐บ | zerotothree.org/๐บ |
California School Directory Online search tool; information about school. |
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood Information on how advertising works and sensible media use.
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Common Sense Media Reviews and ratings for kids' shows, websites, and programs.
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Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions Information about starting school in California.
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National Association for the Education of Young Children Information on quality child care, help finding child care.
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National Center for Learning Disabilities Information on learning disabilities.
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Talking Is Teaching Information, videos, and tips for talking, reading, and singing with your child.
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Pregnancy, Childhood, and Child Care
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalWorks Child Care | Help paying for child care or preschool. | cdss.ca.gov/CalWORKs-Child-Care๐บ | |
| California Child Care Resource and Referral Network | Help finding child care | 1-800-543-7793 | rrnetwork.org/find_child_care |
| California Department of Social Services | Contact information for county social services offices. | cdss.ca.gov/County-Offices๐บ | |
| California Kinship Navigator Program | Help for people who care for the child of a relative, like grandparents raising grandchildren. | 1-800-546-0047 | cakinship.org |
| First 5 California | Referrals to family services and home visits, from local First 5 commissions. | first5california.com/๐บ | |
| Head Start/Early Head Start online locator | Search tool for Head Start centers nationwide. | eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator๐บ | |
| Healthy Families America | Home visits for new parents. | healthyfamiliesamerica.org/๐บ | |
| La Leche League | Information and advice on breastfeeding. | 1-800-525-3243 | https://lllusa.org/ |
| La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline | Breastfeeding Helpline | 1-877-452-5324 | https://lllusa.org/ |
| March of Dimes | Information on prenatal care. | 1-888-663-4637Spanish: 1-800-925-1855 | marchofdimes.org/pregnancy |
| National Council for Adoption | Information and support for adoptive families. | 1-703-299-6633๐บ | adoptioncouncil.org๐บ |
| National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Helpline | Telephone support from the Federal Office on Women's Health. | 1-800-994-9662 | womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/finding-breastfeeding-support-and-information |
| Nurse-Family Partnership | Home visits for new parents. | 1-844-637-6667 | nursefamilypartnership.org |
| Pathways | Information on early childhood development, parent hotline. | 1-800-955-2445 | pathways.org |
| TrustLine | Background checks of in-home child care providers. | 1-800-822-8490 | trustline.org |
California Child Care Resource and Referral Network Help finding child care |
California Department of Social Services Contact information for county social services offices.
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California Kinship Navigator Program Help for people who care for the child of a relative, like grandparents raising grandchildren. |
First 5 California Referrals to family services and home visits, from local First 5 commissions. |
Head Start/Early Head Start online locator Search tool for Head Start centers nationwide.
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March of Dimes Information on prenatal care.
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National Council for Adoption Information and support for adoptive families.
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National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Helpline Telephone support from the Federal Office on Women's Health.
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Safety and Emergencies
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Heart Association | Information and classes on first aid and CPR. | 1-888-CPR-LINE (277-5463) | heart.org |
| American Red Cross | Information on preparing for disasters and help after a disaster. | 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org |
| Be Prepared California | Help with disaster preparedness. | bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov๐บ | |
| California Poison Control Hotline | Free, confidential help and advice about poisons 24 hours a day. | 1-800-222-1222๐บ | calpoison.org๐บ |
| Child Safety Seats | Information from the highway patrol on how to secure your child in a car seat; includes child safety videos. | 1-800-835-5247 | chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | How to prepare for and deal with disasters. | 1-800-525-0321 | fema.gov |
| Kids and Cars | Information about keeping children safe around vehicles. | 1-913-732-2792 | kidsandcars.org |
| Lead Hotline | Help to prevent lead poisoning. | 1-800-424-5323 | epa.gov/lead |
| Poison Control Hotline | Emergency help for victims of poisoning. | 1-800-222-1222 | calpoison.org |
| Safe Kids California | How to prevent childhood injuries. | safekidscalifornia.org๐บ | |
| Safercar.gov | Information on car safety for parents, including car seats. | 1-866-732-8243 | safercar.gov/parents |
| Seat Check | Where to get your car seat checked, information on choosing and using a car seat. | 1-866-732-8243 | seatcheck.org |
| Vehicle Safety Hotline | Information on car and highway safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. | 1-888-327-4236 | nhtsa.gov |
American Heart Association Information and classes on first aid and CPR.
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American Red Cross Information on preparing for disasters and help after a disaster.
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California Poison Control Hotline Free, confidential help and advice about poisons 24 hours a day. |
Child Safety Seats Information from the highway patrol on how to secure your child in a car seat; includes child safety videos.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) How to prepare for and deal with disasters.
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Safercar.gov Information on car safety for parents, including car seats.
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Seat Check Where to get your car seat checked, information on choosing and using a car seat.
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Vehicle Safety Hotline Information on car and highway safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Substance Abuse
๏น| Name | Description | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Anon | Free support groups for family and friends of people who abuse alcohol or drugs. | 1-888-425-2666 | al-anon.org |
| Alcohol and Drug Programs County Directory | Listing of alcohol and drug treatment programs by county. | 1-877-685-8333๐บ | dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/sud-directories.aspx๐บ |
| Alcoholics Anonymous | Help to stop drinking. | aa.org๐บ | |
| American Lung Association | Help to stop smoking. | 1-800-586-4872 | lung.org/stop-smoking |
| California Smokersโ Helpline | Free help in multiple languages to stop smoking. | 1-800-NO-BUTTS (1-800-662-8887) | nobutts.org |
| Narcotics Anonymous | Help to stop taking drugs. | 1-818-773-9999 | na.org |
| National Alcohol & Drug Information | Information and referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment. | 1-800-662-4357 | samhsa.gov/find-treatment |
Al-Anon Free support groups for family and friends of people who abuse alcohol or drugs. |
Alcohol and Drug Programs County Directory Listing of alcohol and drug treatment programs by county.
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California Smokersโ Helpline Free help in multiple languages to stop smoking.
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National Alcohol & Drug Information Information and referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
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