Medical/Health Resources
“COVID-19: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Moms and Babies”
Information from the March of Dimes on pregnancy and COVID-19.
“RSV, Flu and COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?”
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. HealthyChildren.org put together information on these infections and ways to protect your family.
“Steps for Better Health” Toolkits for People with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a series of easy-to-read fact sheets for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The “Steps for Better Health” toolkits provide information and health tips about many of the complications that can affect people with SCD. The CDC created the materials in partnership with the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
The “Steps for Better Health” toolkits are based on the ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines on SCD and include information on:
- Caring for common complications
- Lung health
- Blood clots
- Managing acute and chronic pain
- Blood transfusions
“Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” Timely Toolkits
The Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) Timely Toolkits are designed to support autistic individuals, their caregivers, and related professionals as they navigate through specific global and/or local events that may disrupt or impact routines.
The “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” online toolkit was created by an interdisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timely Toolkits also provide:
- COVID-19 Resources
- Daily Living Resources
- Social Connectedness Resources
- Mental Health Resources
211 DuPage County – Community Resources and Information
211 DuPage provides information and access to trained local specialists who listen and help connect people with a wide range of resources that meet all their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email. 211 DuPage can help connect people with programs and services, including:
- Emergency counseling
- Disaster assistance
- Food, health care and insurance assistance
- Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
- Employment services
- Childcare and family services
- Veteran services and more
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The Administration for Community Living helps people of all ages with disabilities and older adults live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. ACL provides information, online tools, and resources to help you access disability networks and services such as transportation, housing, and more.
Administration for Community Living resources include:
- The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) for information and access to essential services
- An easy-to-use A to Z list of programs, networks, and ACL focus areas
- The latest COVID-19 updates, vaccine and testing locations
The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children up to age 18 with developmental disabilities and complex medical medical needs get equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the United States, can apply for help. Requests for equipment can include feeding or bath chairs, car seats, adaptive strollers, mats, wedges, specialty swings, sensory equipment and more.
The application, requirements for applying, and the annual application deadline are posted on its website.
Families can apply once per year. The one-time equipment grant provides up to $1000 per child.
Baby Formula Tips and Information – HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families choose the correct infant formula, and prepare and use it safely.
These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and community programs.
Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs
The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year.
Topics include:
- Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
- Mental Health and School
- IEP and 504 Resources
- Medicaid Expansion in Schools
BEACON for Illinois Youth and Families Seeking Behavioral Health Services
BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It streamlines the process of finding and accessing behavioral health services to help ensure that every child in Illinois can receive the support they need.
BEACON is available to families, state agency staff and healthcare providers across Illinois:
- Families can use BEACON to find services, get help navigating complicated systems and connect with state programs.
- State agency staff can use the public portal to coordinate care across programs.
To learn more about BEACON, you can:
- Download the BEACON flyer in several languages and find training materials on the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
- Read the BEACON frequently asked questions for more information.
- Watch the instructional video on how to use BEACON.