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Reviewed July 2010

Who We Are
What We Do

Who We Are

Mission Statement

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, and osteogenesis imperfecta. The NIH National Resource Center is dedicated to increasing the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of physicians, health professionals, patients, underserved and at-risk populations (such as Hispanic and Asian women, adolescents, and men), and the general public about the prevention, early detection, and treatment of osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

Background

Osteoporosis, which affects millions of people in the United States, is a disease that results in painful and debilitating fractures and costs that are in the billions. Other bone diseases, such as Paget’s disease of bone and osteogenesis imperfecta, are also associated with fractures, disability, pain, and economic loss.

The magnitude of these diseases has spurred the expansion of research, but widespread dissemination and clinical application has not kept pace with the research findings. Physicians need to be better informed about current advances and their clinical applications; patients need information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these debilitating diseases.

To remedy this problem, the NIH National Resource Center was established to expand awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

What We Do

Inquiry Response

The NIH National Resource Center provides a link between current resources and the individuals (e.g., health professionals, patients, and the public) who are trying to locate these resources. If you have questions about osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, other metabolic bone diseases, or bone health, please contact us at:

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center

2 AMS Circle
Bethesda,  MD 20892-3676
Phone: 202-223-0344
Toll Free: 800-624-BONE (2663)
TTY: 202-466-4315
Fax: 202-293-2356
Email: NIHBoneInfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.bones.nih.gov

The NIH National Resource Center answers all telephone calls promptly during core working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time). After hours and on weekends and holidays, callers have the opportunity to leave their request and contact information in a voice mail box. Any information that you provide will be kept confidential.

Although the NIH National Resource Center cannot make physician referrals, we may refer you to organizations that do make referrals or provide you with information about the different types of physicians that treat your disorder.

Materials Development and Dissemination

The NIH National Resource Center develops new materials to fill important gaps in information, such as osteoporosis in men and patient information on other rare bone diseases. Materials in Spanish and Asian languages, for low-literacy populations, and for individuals with visual impairment are also available or planned. Some of the materials distributed by the NIH National Resource Center include fact sheets (on Asian American women and osteoporosis, kids and their bones, Latino women and osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Paget’s disease), and large-print materials.

The NIH National Resource Center distributes information packets, pamphlets, fact sheets, and other materials related to metabolic bone diseases. Information on treatment options, coping strategies, and referral to appropriate organizations for additional information is also available.

The NIH National Resource Center is supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases with contributions from:

• National Institute on Aging
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health
• DHHS Office on Women’s Health.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).