Medical/Health Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 is the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
This fact sheet explains the basics about 988. (You can also see the fact sheet in Spanish.)
Tracheostomy.com (Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page) is an independent, family-run website that provides information about home care for children with tracheostomies (trachs) as well as parent-to-parent networking and support.
Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub
The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub provides articles, books and other comprehensive resources to support adolescents and their communities as they navigate the grieving process and find a path towards healing. Resources are available for individuals, communities and school districts.
“Postvention” is a term to describe best practices after a suicide. The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub offers information on topics including:
- Communicating and understanding postvention
- Parent resources and support groups
- 24/7 support
Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Clinic Directory
The Adult Congenital Heart Association’s ACHD Clinic Directory provides information on ACHD Board Certified providers certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and ACHA ACHD Accredited Centers.
You can search for clinics by zip code and state. You can find more details and health information on the Adult Congenital Heart Association’s website.
Advice on Returning to School in “New Normal” Times
The Child Neurology Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics have joined forces with medical and educational experts to create a Back-to-School Educational Series.
The series covers issues including:
- When a child should return to school
- Medications in school
- Holding an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the “new normal” COVID-19 era
- Additional resources to inform decision-making for families of children with special needs
Advocate Dental Center in Chicago
Advocate Dental Center provides a wide range of dental services for adults and children with developmental disabilities through its Special Patient Dental Care Program. The program’s services include:
- Dental exams and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Extractions, crowns and tooth replacements
- IV sedation
- Operating room dentistry
Call (773) 871-2188 to discuss Special Patient Dental Care Program eligibility and appointment scheduling.
Affordable Health Insurance is a patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment deadlines, subsidies and how you can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site also provides information on:
- Different types of health plans
- Comparisons
- Provider reviews
- Benefits/coverage/specialized support for vulnerable youth with mental health issues
- Other resources
Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) Illinois
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a statewide recovery resource devoted to supporting individuals throughout Illinois. AA Illinois helps people struggling with alcoholism find local help and take the next step to overcoming alcohol addiction. AA Illinois provides a localized support system and statewide meetings to help members who need the extra support to stop drinking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Individuals may also get information and help for alcohol addiction by calling (800) 839-1686.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AGBADHH) is a non-profit organization providing resources to support hearing-impaired individuals and their families, information to help increase understanding of hearing loss, and research relating to auditory or verbal communication.
AGBADHH also offers in-service training for teachers, scholarships and conferences, and collaborates with physicians, speech/language specialists and other professionals to promote educational, vocational and social opportunities for affected individuals. Visit the AGBADHH website for more details.
The All Kids program offers many Illinois children comprehensive healthcare that includes doctors visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Some families pay monthly premiums for the coverage, but rates for middle-income families are significantly lower than they are on the private market. Low-income working families may qualify for help in paying insurance premiums.