Rockford 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.)
How to Handle Clinical Care During Social Distancing and School/Program Closures
Information from Autism Speaks
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
Talking to Children About Coronavirus: ASL & English Resources
Information from the American Society for Deaf Children
“What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”
Information from the American Heart Association about “What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”
Heart Health and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
The American Heart Association provides science-based information and resources to protect your health and well-being, including information about vaccines, precautions for high-risk patients and more.
Travel Considerations for People with Down Syndrome [COVID-19]
Information from Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center
A Rare Response: Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic
This webinar recording from the National Organization for Rare Disorders provides expert guidance on living with a rare disease and maintaining physical and mental health in the time of COVID-19.
“Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” Timely Toolkits
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 “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” online toolkit was created by an interdisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timely Toolkits also provide:
- COVID-19 Resources
- Daily Living Resources
- Social Connectedness Resources
- Mental Health Resources
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.