Resource Directory /

Rockford 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.

  • MPHI Center for Precision Public Health

    The MPHI Center for Precision Public Health provides educational opportunities for clinicians, public health professionals, community organizations and families. The center focuses on improving the health and well-being of all through research, supporting data-driven initiatives, facilitating community-led program development, and providing technical assistance.

    MPHI also provides free CME and CE Modules for families and professionals. Topics include:

    • Improving care for developmental disabilities and dysmorphic features
    • Patient-centered newborn screening communication
    • Decoding genetic test reports for frontline clinicians

  • 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

  • Northern Illinois Foodbank

    The Northern Illinois Food Bank delivers food and healthy eating services across 13 counties (Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago counties). The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides weekly drive-thru Mobile Markets with free and fresh groceries, an online food pantry, a recipes and nutrition hub, and free economic mobility learning resources.

  • Talking with Children During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a tip sheet for caregivers, parents, and teachers on talking with children during infectious disease outbreaks.

    SAMHSA tip sheet provides information for toddlers to teens and includes:

    • Possible reactions
    • Talking with children and youth in different age groups
    • Supporting children and managing their responses
    • Self-care
    • More resources