Consumer Advocacy AARP
Consumer Advocacy
(888) 687-2277 www.aarp.org AARP is a nonprofit organization for those ages 50 and older that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of everyone as they age. With 40 million members and hundreds of thousands of volunteers, AARP has the collective energy, commitment and power to advocate for social change. There are chapter meetings throughout Pittsburgh and in every state. Members also receive special products, services and discounts at participating retailers, hotels and more. Sign up online for AARP news, discount information, tips for healthy living, retirement planning and more.
Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association PO Box 126 Wilmerding, PA 15148 (412) 678-3434 www.acfda.com
The association offers general information on funerals, referrals to funeral directors, grievance arbitration, literature and speakers on related topics.
Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania 400 Holiday Dr., Suite 220 Pittsburgh, PA 15220 (412) 456-2700 www.westernpennsylvania.bbb.org
A nonprofit organization established to promote ethical standards of business practices through voluntary self-regulation. Consumer complaints and inquiries are addressed and resolved free of charge by the bureau.
League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh 425 Sixth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-4284 www.palwv.org/pittsburgh
This nonpartisan political organization encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
National Do Not Call Registry (888) 382-1222 TTY (866) 290-4236 www.donotcall.gov
The federal government created this registry to make it easy for consumers to stop receiving unwanted telemarketing calls in their homes. Register online or by calling the toll-free number above. This is a free service. The Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission and individual states all enforce the Do Not Call Registry. Placing your phone number on it will stop most (but not all) telemarketing calls.
Ombudsman Program
Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (DHS/AAA) 441 Smithfield St., Second Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 SeniorLine (412) 350-5460 (800) 344-4319 www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/olderadults.aspx
Consumer Health Coalition (CHC)
Ombudsmen are advocates who receive, investigate and resolve concerns related to the health, safety, welfare and rights of individuals who are residents of skilled and intermediate nursing homes, personal care homes and certified domiciliary care homes, and of older individuals in the community who are participants of adult day services, long-term care services, and community based services. Ombudsmen also inform and educate older individuals, service providers and the public about long-term care services and consumer rights.
CHC helps people in southwestern Pennsylvania apply for free and low-cost public health insurance programs. It also educates consumers about healthcare issues and advocates for high quality, affordable healthcare.
Pennsylvania Attorney General
415 E. Ohio St., Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 456-1877 www.consumerhealthcoalition.org
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) 429 Fourth Ave., Suite 701 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 391-5225 www.drnpa.org
DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, and to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect.
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2013 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
Consumer Protection and Safety 14th Floor, Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120 (800) 441-2555 www.attorneygeneral.gov
The Attorney General’s Office ensures that Pennsylvania consumers are treated fairly and properly. Its Public Protection Division includes guarding Pennsylvanians against telemarketing scams or identity theft, fighting for civil rights, monitoring charitable organizations and protecting consumers from deceptive advertising or other unfair business practices. The above website contains numerous consumer advisories specifically for seniors and about matters related to your home, automobile, money, travel and shopping.