Springfield Resources
National Association of the Deaf
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) preserves and promotes the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States and U.S. territories. Resources include videos in American Sign Language (ASL) on a wide range of topics, a list of universities and education resources by state, webinars and more for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, their families and friends.
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
Springfield-Area Micropantries
The micropantries in Springfield and its surrounding communities in Sangamon County operate independently and allow people to take what they need and leave what they can.
The City of Springfield provides a a list of micropantries in Springfield and the surrounding area.
Find Your Local Food Bank – Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food distributions and to apply for national food programs.
You can also visit Feeding Illinois for more information about Illinois food banks.
The Central Illinois Foodbank provides food, develops awareness, and creates solutions for food insecurity in partnership with over 140 agencies across 21 central and southern Illinois counties.
The Central Illinois Food Bank is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the front desk at (217) 522-4022 or email info@centralillinoisfoodbank.org.
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
COVID-19 SERIES, Part 1: Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First
This Family Voices Resources eBlast shares resources for self-care and asks us to consider what happens if we get sick, with related types of emergency planning to consider in order to be prepared.
Are You Ready? Preparing for Emergencies: Tips for Families
Information from Family Voices on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for emergencies.

