COVID-19 Resources
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.
Learning games for kids.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose and Booster Shot FAQ
The Illinois Department of Public Health provides this list of frequently asked questions about additional doses and booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Information includes the difference between an additional dose and a booster shot, who should get a booster shot, who should get an additional dose of vaccine and more.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed this flyer to provide Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation participants with important information and resources about paying rent during the national emergency concerning the coronavirus pandemic.
HUD also provides Resources for Renters which includes:
- Eviction prevention resources
- HUD-certified housing counselors
- Fair housing resources and discrimination help
- Emergency rental assistance
CaringInfo provides free advance directives and instructions for each state that can be opened as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can receive:
- Up to $30 per month discount for internet service, including associated equipment rentals such as a modem
- Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. The FCC provides a list of frequently asked questions and enrollment information for families.
Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program
Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill.
This step-by-step resource includes information on:
- Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for financial assistance and eligibility guidelines
- Exploring payment options
- Tips for lowering future energy bills and energy efficiency programs
Click here for a list of assistance programs statewide, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a program designed to help moderate-income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs.
For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000 (residential customers) or (800) 232-2477 (business customers).
American Rescue Plan Expanded Child Tax Credit
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has information for families on the American Rescue Plan expanded Child Tax Credit. With recent changes, families can qualify for more money and can receive payments monthly instead of having to wait until the end of the year. Payments will automatically arrive starting on July 15 for most families. Some families may need to take action to receive the benefit.
AAP offers a flyer in English and Spanish that explains:
- The credit
- Who is eligible
- The next step that parents may need to take
Click here for the flyer in English. Click here for the Spanish version.
American Sign Language: Basic Lessons
The Chicago Park District’s Sarah Faber, Program and Event Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and Timothy Owens, Special Recreation Coordinator, provide weekly American Sign Language lessons on the park district’s YouTube channel.
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.