Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education
SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education provides free resources to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds learn about the dangers of drugs and how to help those who may be affected by substance use. Educational materials are available in English and Spanish and include engaging videos targeting kids, teens, parents, teachers, employers and more.
SUPE offers up-to-date, easy-to-understand information on topics such as:
- Edibles and vaping education and prevention for kids
- Tips for talking to grandchildren about substance use
- The link between bullying and substance use
- Do’s and don’ts for teachers speaking to students about drugs
The Survivor Empowerment Center provides a safe and secure environment for southern Illinois domestic violence survivors and their children.
The Center provides free, confidential services around-the-clock, 365 days a year to domestic and sexual violence survivors. Women, men, adolescents and children from Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, Williamson, Union and Gallatin counties are welcome.
Help includes:
- A 24/7 hotline
- A safe place/shelter away from an abuser
- Counseling
- Education and training
- Assistance through medical, reporting and legal procedures
The center has offices in Harrisburg and Franklin County. For more information, call (618) 549-4807 or (866) 979-6636 (TTY). You can also use the center’s Contact Us form.
Swann Special Care Center is a non-profit organization located in Champaign that offers residential and educational programs for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. Its programs serve residents from throughout Illinois and include residential nursing care, adult day training and an accredited year-round school. Swann Special Care Center also offers:
- Restorative and long-term habilitation
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Evaluation on an individual and ongoing basis
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies
For questions, please visit Swann Center’s Contact Us page online, or call (217) 356-5164.
Synapse House provides a range of programs for individuals affected by brain injury, stroke and other neurological conditions. Located in Downers Grove, Synapse House programs and services include:
- The Clubhouse day program
- Employment programs
- KNZ NeuroFitness Gym
- Community integration therapeutic activities
- Community support services
- Family support
For more information or to set up a tour, please contact Deborah Giesler at deborah@synapsehouse.org or call (877) 932-1120.
The Organization for Understanding Congenital Hearts (T.O.U.C.H.) provides support and information to empower families, children, youth and adults with congenital heart defects.
For additional information, contact touchhearts365@gmail.com
Take N.O.T.E. of Learning Differences
Take N.O.T.E. is an initiative developed by Understood in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It aims to help parents identify the signs of learning or thinking differences in their children.
Talking to Children About Racial Bias
The “Talking to Children About Racial Bias” page from HealthyChildren.org provides information on understanding how racial bias works in children as well as strategies to help them deal with and react to racial differences.
Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents, teachers, child care providers, and others who work closely with children to filter information about crises and present it in a way that their child can accommodate, adjust to and cope with. HealthyChildren.org provides information on where to start and how to provide the right support in this article, “Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events.”
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’s 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
Taller de José is an agency that helps individuals navigate the social services system. It links individuals with a bilingual Compañera/o, or “Companion,” who will listen, identify goals and help find needed services. The organization collaborates with other agencies to provide social services and support, including financial, domestic violence, immigration, counseling, health and legal assistance.
Taller de José serves Cook County residents.