Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
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.
Aurora Community Resources for Displaced Residents
The City of Aurora provides information on a wide variety of resources including housing, food, clothing and legal assistance.
The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Its team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families.
(888) AUTISM2 (288-4762) – English
(888) 772-9050 – SpanishAutism 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.
The Illinois Department of Labor is launching Back to Business Illinois, a free, voluntary service that connects small businesses of 250 employees or less with consultants who will help them address workplace safety and health issues related to the coronavirus and create a plan to ensure a safe, healthy and productive environment for employees and visitors.
These one-hour confidential consultations take place virtually, via teleconference.
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
The “Be Ready: Tips for Families of Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)” toolkit provides videos and infographics in American Sign Language (ASL) and a variety of languages to help families prepare for power outages, floods or other natural disasters that may occur.
The toolkit is available through the Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation & Improvement Center (EIIC).
Click here for the ASL version.
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.