New Government Survey Provides Most Comprehensive Look Ever on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States

NCCAM and NCHS To Hold Telephone Briefing To Release Findings

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What:

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a telephone briefing to discuss the findings of a new nationwide survey that reveals the extensive use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States. The survey also provides data on who is using CAM, the most commonly used CAM therapies, and why people are turning to CAM, among many other related topics.

Who:

• Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Director, NCCAM
• Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H., Senior Advisor for Scientific Coordination and Outreach, NCCAM
• Patricia M. Barnes, M.A., Statistician, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When:

Thursday, May 27, 2004
10:00 a.m. EST

NCCAM, a component of the National Institutes of Health, DDHHS, is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCAM's Clearinghouse toll free at 1-888-644-6226 or visit NCCAM's Web site at nccam.nih.gov.

The NCHS is a component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NCHS's mission is to provide statistical information that will guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people. The CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.