These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Listen and check for danger
You can ask"What disease do you have? Who treats it now?"
You can ask"Are you out of any medicine?"
High fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, a lot of blood in the stool, or severe belly pain? Go to the ER or call 911.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
2Get a regular doctor first
A regular doctor can order tests and refer them to a specialist (rheumatologist or GI doctor).
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Silver Health CARE
Primary care and urgent care
575-538-2981
1600 E. 32nd St., Silver City · Clinic Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Urgent Care Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm
3Free help lines and groups
Lupus Foundation of America
Free lupus health educator help line
800-558-0121
· Call and leave a message; a health educator calls back (hours not posted)
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
IBD Help Center (Crohn's and colitis questions, referrals, insurance help)
888-694-8872
· Weekdays from 7am Mountain (9am Eastern); some evenings later; voicemail any time
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Helpline and Live Yes! Connect Groups
800-283-7800
· Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern (7:00am-3:00pm Mountain)
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
RareCare patient assistance (medicine, copays, testing, travel)
800-999-6673
· Mon-Thu 6:30am-5pm, Fri 6:30am-4pm Mountain (8:30am-7pm / 6pm Eastern)
4Paying for costly medicine
Many of these medicines cost thousands of dollars. Help is out there.
HealthWell Foundation
Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums
800-675-8416
P.O. Box 489, Buckeystown · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET
Patient Advocate Foundation - TotalAssist (includes former PAN Foundation)
Grants for medicine copays, deductibles and insurance premiums
866-512-3861
· Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm ET
Good Days
Copay, premium, diagnostic testing and travel help for chronic illness
877-968-7233
2611 Internet Blvd., Suite 105, Frisco · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CT (closed noon-1pm)
Accessia Health
Help paying insurance premiums, copays and medical travel for certain rare and c
800-366-7741
Patient Advocate Foundation
Free case management for serious or chronic illness
800-532-5274
· Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm ET
5Living with flares without a home
At the Gospel MissionShowers, laundry and hygiene kits help keep skin and wounds clean.
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
See all guides in Health and recovery →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.