Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
Association House of Chicago provides services promoting health and wellness, education and economic opportunity. Programs are provided in English and Spanish using a collaborative model that meets participants’ immediate needs while working toward long-term goals.
The Association House of Chicago focuses provides services in five key areas:
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare
- Community Health
- High School
- Workforce Development
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness is based in Olympia Fields, Ill., and offers community support services that promote healthy lifestyles and help people and families overcome challenges. Its community support services for youth include crisis services and Reporting Centers for Justice-Involved Youth in Cook County.
Aunt Marth’s also provides support for new parents (first-time moms and dads) as well as any parent or family feeling the stress of having a new baby or infant at home. Its support services include home visits and coaching to help parents feel more confident, keep their home safe and get other care and services in their community.
For more details, call (877) 692-8686 or fill out Aunt Martha’s Contact Us form.
Autism Timely Toolkits for Uncertain Times
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 Timely Toolkits include:
- Supporting Individuals With Autism Through Uncertain Times
- Supporting Adults With Autism Through Uncertain Times Companion Guide
- Supporting Online Learning for Students With Autism
- Resources for Autistic Individuals and Their Families Impacted by War and Displacement
- Talking About Gun Violence With Autistic Individuals
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 Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact sheets for youth and adults, and a guide to national and local resources.
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.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
The services locator is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues
Mental health challenges affect the whole family and are hard on everyone. The Caregiver Action Network provides a Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues.
The guide includes information on discussing mental health with doctors, screening for mental health issues, the value of knowing early diagnosis and intervention, and more.
Brave Health Online Mental Health Services
Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.