The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the United States’ medical research agency—making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. The NIH is the largest source of funding for medical research in the world and is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the U.S. federal government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

The U.S. Social Security Administration’s mission is to deliver social security services that meet the changing needs of the public. The Administration delivers services through a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council, and their State and territorial partners, the Disability Determination Services.

The mission of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), within the National Institutes of Health, is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population. For more information, visit their website or call 301.435.2920.