Memorial Behavioral Health has established an emotional support hotline, available at (217) 588-5509, to provide support to individuals who are experiencing anxiety or stress, even if they are not MBH patients. This hotline is operated by trained mental health professionals and is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A toolkit for patients with the coronavirus who need communication tools and supports due to speech-related disabilities It (1) explains your communication rights, (2) provides tips on advocating for them, and (3) has an accommodation request form you can bring to the hospital.

City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center provides the latest guidance and information on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, public health department guidance and other available resources.

Article from Chicago Parent Magazine

Public health services, programs and resources.

All children have unique needs in emergencies, but care for children with special healthcare needs is often more complex because of their various health conditions and extra care requirements. They may have a hard time moving from one place to another, urgent or constant medical needs, difficulty communicating or have trouble with transitioning to different situations. A disaster can present all these difficulties at once.

The CDC provides information on how to prepare and respond so you can help maintain calm and keep your family safe.

Online screening tool, information, resources

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.

Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 552020, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 552020. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous.

Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.

Individuals can also text 552020, with keywords such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services.

(Message and Data Rates May Apply. See Terms & Conditions of Use.)

(Privacy Statement)

Information from Autism Speaks

Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital offers general information on COVID-19 to help families. Information includes information about vaccines, a list of recommended resources, frequently asked questions and recent news articles related to COVID-19.