Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
HealthyChildren.org is the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The site provides the latest information to help support the optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. All articles are also provided in Spanish.
Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network
The Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network (HSIDN) is a grassroots effort to support and build healthy communities in Illinois’ 16 southernmost counties (Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Hamilton, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Union, Saline, White and Williamson). The Network brings together local health departments, area health centers, hospitals and others interested in improving the health of their communities. HSIDN provides an extensive collection of health and community resources, workshops and prevention programs.
HSIDN provides information on a wide range of resources, including:
- Access to Care resources and tips for finding a primary care physician (PCP)
- Comprehensive lists of healthcare and hospital systems, local health departments, and federally qualified health care providers (FQHC)
- A Dental Health Resource Guide
- A Diabetes prevention program and Camp Beta for youth with diabetes
- A community health calendar
HealthyChildren.org’s “Childhood Grief: When to Seek Additional Help”
Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help your child, and where to find support.
The information includes:
- Signs your child may need more help
- Important information about tweens
- Resources for more information
A number of heart conditions can affect children. Some are structural abnormalities they are born with. Others deal with the electrical system that controls the heartbeat.
HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting site of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides numerous articles and information about heart conditions, including common heart defects in children, the challenges faced by parents of children with congenital heart disease, dental care for children with heart conditions and more.
Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association
The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association (HOIDSA) offers support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome. Its programs and resources for families and caregivers include Individual Education Program (IEP) resource providers, conference and classroom stipends, and events to increase inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome.
The association’s service area in central Illinois includes Peoria, Marshall, Tazewell and Woodford counties.
For questions, visit HOIDSA’s website contact page, call (309) 363-3125, or email info@hoidsa.org.
Help for Caregivers, Grandparents/Relatives Raising Children in Northeastern Illinois
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois provides programs offering respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more for caregivers and grandparents/relatives raising children. Residents in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may be eligible.
For questions, please contact AgeGuide at (800) 528-2000 or info@ageguide.org.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences.
The National Institute of Mental health has numerous resources to help children and adolescents cope with traumatic events.
Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicagoland through person-centered education, therapy, residential and employment programs.
Helping Hand programs and services, include:
- An outpatient clinic
- School
- Community day services
- Residential living services
- Employment program
For more information, call (708) 352-3580 or email info@helpinghand-il.org.
- Helping Hands of Springfield is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides homeless services to single adults 18 and older. It provides a shelter and supportive services, including individualized case management, advocacy and referrals, representative payee services, and shower facilities. It also provides assistance with obtaining prescriptions, identification services, and employment assistance.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless, call (217) 522-0048. For other housing-related needs, please call 211.
HFS Medicaid Customer Guide Website
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ (HFS) Medicaid Customer Guide website helps customers and the partners who support them find the information they need. The guide provides a more streamlined, user-friendly experience. Clearer navigation and simpler language make it easier to find information about Medicaid coverage, eligibility, benefits, applications, renewals and other important resources. The guide organizes information around frequently asked questions and tasks to help:
- Learn about Medicaid
- Connect families with information about their coverage and benefits
- Explore recent HR 1 Federal Changes
- Apply for healthcare and use your benefits
- Understand your rights