Liver Diseases
Liver diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the liver’s structure and function, potentially leading to serious health complications. These diseases include infections like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, and liver cancer. Common symptoms often include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. Many liver diseases result from long-term damage and inflammation, which can cause scarring (cirrhosis) and impair the liver’s ability to detoxify the blood, produce vital proteins, and aid digestion. Early detection and lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing underlying conditions, are crucial for preventing progression and preserving liver health.
Maine Resources
American Liver Foundation - Maine State Resource Center - Offers a comprehensive support network for individuals affected by liver disease in Maine. Through its New England division, ALF provides educational programs, patient referrals, support groups, and volunteer opportunities. Patients and caregivers can access assistance via a live chat feature or by calling their Help Center at (800) 465-4837 during business hours. ALF also maintains a robust online presence with resources on liver disease progression, transplant information, and dietary guidance.
MaineHealth - Liver Disease & Cirrhosis Care - Delivers specialized care for a broad spectrum of liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Their services encompass early detection, diagnostic testing, medication management, and, when necessary, liver transplantation. Patients can find liver care providers through MaineHealth’s directory, ensuring access to expert care across the state.
MaineHealth Adult Specialty Care - Specializes in hepatology, gastroenterology, and infectious disease care. The clinic's team includes board-certified physicians experienced in managing complex liver diseases and coordinating transplant evaluations. Patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific liver health needs.
Portland Gastroenterology Center - Offers extensive services for liver disease management. Their board-certified gastroenterologists perform numerous screenings and procedures daily, addressing a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders. The center's state-of-the-art endoscopy facility ensures patients receive advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care.
Community Liver Alliance - Maine Liver Resources - Provides a dedicated hub for individuals navigating liver disease in Maine. Their resources include educational materials, support networks, and community events aimed at fostering a sense of connection and empowerment among patients and caregivers.
MaineGeneral Health - Gastroenterology Services - Offers comprehensive gastroenterology services, including the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Their medical staff utilizes state-of-the-art procedures and equipment to address various gastrointestinal issues, working closely with radiologists and skilled surgeons to provide coordinated care.
Central Maine Gastroenterology - Provides both outpatient and inpatient care for liver disease patients. Their services include consultations, follow-up care, emergency services, and endoscopic procedures, ensuring comprehensive management of liver-related health concerns.
Liver Education Advocates - Online Support Groups - Offers virtual support groups for liver disease patients, caregivers, and transplant recipients. These Zoom-based meetings provide a platform for sharing experiences, receiving expert insights, and building a supportive community. The organization emphasizes accessible, jargon-free information to help individuals navigate their liver health journeys.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts
ALF Massachusetts State Resource Center - Offers a comprehensive range of services, including educational programs, support groups, information and referral services, and fundraising events aimed at promoting liver health and supporting those affected by liver disease.
The Community Liver Alliance (MA) - Provides Massachusetts residents with access to support groups and educational resources tailored to individuals living with liver disease.
Massachusetts General Hospital - Hosts a Fatty Liver Clinic that provides comprehensive care for patients with suspected or established fatty liver disease, focusing on diagnosis, management, and lifestyle interventions.
Connecticut
ALF Connecticut State Resource Center - Delivers educational programs, support groups, and referral services to individuals affected by liver disease, aiming to enhance awareness and patient care. American Liver Foundation
The Community Liver Alliance (CT) - Offers Connecticut residents access to support groups and resources focused on liver health, providing a platform for shared experiences and information.
UConn Health - Hosts a Hepatitis C Support Group that meets monthly, providing a forum for individuals to discuss treatment options, share experiences, and receive support from peers and healthcare professionals.
Hartford HealthCare's Comprehensive Liver Center - Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, including liver cancer, offering advanced screening, medical management, and patient education.
Rhode Island
ALF Rhode Island State Resource Center - Provides educational initiatives, support groups, and referral services to individuals and families affected by liver disease, aiming to improve patient outcomes and awareness.
University Gastroenterology's Liver Center - Delivers state-of-the-art care for various liver conditions, including hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, with a strong emphasis on clinical research and advanced treatment options.
Vermont
ALF Vermont State Resource Center - Provides educational programs, support groups, and referral services to individuals affected by liver disease, promoting awareness and patient support across the state.
Vermont CARES - Delivers harm reduction services, education, and resources to individuals affected by HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use, focusing on increasing access to care and reducing social stigmas.
New Hampshire
ALF New Hampshire State Resource Center - Offers educational programs, support groups, and referral services to individuals affected by liver disease, aiming to enhance patient care and awareness.
New Hampshire Family Voices - Provides an online support community for patients with liver disease and their families, facilitating connections and shared experiences to offer mutual support.
Elliot Hospital - Hosts various support groups, including those focused on digestive health, providing patients with opportunities to connect, share experiences, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals.
VA Manchester Healthcare System - Offers a wide range of health services for veterans, including liver disease management, ensuring comprehensive care for those who have served.
National Resources
American Liver Foundation (ALF) - The largest nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to promoting liver health and disease prevention. It provides patient education, advocacy, support services, and research funding for all types of liver diseases. ALF offers a toll-free helpline, live chat, educational webinars, online support communities, and localized state resource directories to connect patients with nearby care options. Their mission is to improve the lives of those affected by liver conditions nationwide.
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) - A professional medical society that supports liver disease research, education, and clinical practice standards. While primarily designed for healthcare providers, the organization also offers public-facing educational resources on liver diseases, clinical trials, and patient care guidelines. AASLD regularly hosts conferences and updates its digital resource library with the latest research and clinical insights.
Community Liver Alliance - A national nonprofit organization offering advocacy, education, support groups, and patient navigation services for people affected by liver diseases. They partner with healthcare systems and specialists to host educational events, peer support groups, and awareness campaigns across the country. Their programming also focuses on underserved populations, hepatitis elimination, and transplant advocacy.
Hepatitis B Foundation - Dedicated specifically to eliminating hepatitis B worldwide through research, disease awareness, and patient support. It provides a wealth of resources including an online hepatitis B information center, clinical trial listings, physician directories, and patient helplines. The foundation also advocates for global vaccination and screening programs to prevent and manage hepatitis B infections.
Liver Health Connection - Formerly known as the Hep C Connection, this organization delivers education, screening, and linkage to care for individuals with liver diseases — especially hepatitis B and C — across the U.S. It emphasizes community outreach, harm reduction services, and public awareness campaigns, offering multilingual resources and personalized patient navigation services.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - A division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NIDDK funds liver disease research and provides extensive patient education through its Liver Disease Information Clearinghouse. It offers fact sheets, clinical trial information, and disease management tips for conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Its website features a comprehensive, evidence-based resource library for patients and healthcare providers alike.