Chicago Resources
Coronavirus in Chicago – What Parents Need to Know
Article from Chicago Parent Magazine
Chicago Department of Public Health
Public health services, programs and resources.
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies
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.
How to protect yourself, symptoms, resources for the community and the latest information about the outbreak.
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.)
Autism Speaks COVID-19 Information and Resources
Information for the autism community.
How to Handle Clinical Care During Social Distancing and School/Program Closures
Information from Autism Speaks
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Resources
Information and resources for families.
An Introduction to Health Care through Telemedicine
The Midwest Genetics Network created these videos specifically for patients and their families to increase their awareness of the benefits of seeing a health care provider using telemedicine.
Talking to Children About Coronavirus: ASL & English Resources
Information from the American Society for Deaf Children