Medical/Health Resources
United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter
The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC) is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:
- Virtual and in person peer support groups
- The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
- “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
- Advocacy and more
University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics’ Inclusive Healthcare and Policies
The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics is nationally recognized for its inclusive healthcare and policies related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and staff.
UI Health was named an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2020 Health Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health systems on key criteria for non-discrimination policies and practices.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VaccineFinder from Boston Children’s Hospital, Vaccines.gov provides information and help with:
- Finding recommended vaccines for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, the flu and RSV
- Making an appointment
- Answering frequently asked questions about the vaccines
Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois
Variety of Illinois’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment and experiences needed to reach their highest potential.
Its programs include Variety at Play, which offers inclusive, accessible activities for the whole family; Kids on the Go that provides mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities; and Live to Achieve that encourages participation and excellence in adaptive sports.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.
The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal (also known as the Illinois Resident Immunization portal) provides access to your official immunization records.
You must be 18 years old or older to create a Vax Verify account or have legal guardianship of a minor to add them to your account.
Well-Child Visits and Recommended Vaccinations During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential and help make sure children stay healthy.
Families have been doing their part by staying at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, many children have missed check-ups and recommended childhood vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a website with information for families and those who care for children to help them catch up on missed vaccinations.
The site includes fact sheets, posters, social media templates, and sample newsletter articles to encourage caregivers to get back on track with childhood vaccinations in:
For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?”
This question-and-answer style document includes information about the prevalence and defining characteristics of autism, community- and school-based supports and links to additional resources.
This guide provides basic tips for keeping your wheelchair in good working order.
When Your Child Has a Heart Defect: Planning Ahead for Lifelong Heart Health
Children with congenital heart defects and disease (CHD) will need lifelong care from congenital heart experts. The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this brochure to help parents of children born with CHDs support their child’s lifelong heart health.