Resource Directory /

Medical/Health Resources

  • Association for Individual Development (AID)

    The Association for Individual Development (AID) serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma and those at risk. Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID provides services to address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives.

    Programs include:

    • Autism programs
    • Permanent supportive housing and in-home support
    • Developmental and vocational training
    • Job placement and on-the-job coaching service
    • Crisis intervention and victim services
    • Mental health treatment

    AID is also a sponsor of the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.

  • Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – HHS

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families find infant formula during the shortage.

    These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and community programs.

  • Back to School Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America

    Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact sheets for youth and adults, and a guide to national and local resources.

  • Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs

    The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year.

    Topics include:

    • Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
    • Mental Health and School
    • IEP and 504 Resources
    • Medicaid Expansion in Schools
  • BEACON for Illinois Youth and Families Seeking Behavioral Health Services

    BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It streamlines the process of finding and accessing behavioral health services  to help ensure that every child in Illinois can receive the support they need.

    BEACON is available to families, state agency staff and healthcare providers across Illinois:

    • Families can use BEACON to find services, get help navigating complicated systems and connect with state programs.
    • State agency staff can use the public portal to coordinate care across programs.

    You can read the BEACON frequently asked questions for more information.

    You can also watch the instructional video on how to use BEACON

  • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

    The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S.  territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.

    The services locator is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

  • Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues

    Mental health challenges affect the whole family and are hard on everyone. The Caregiver Action Network provides a Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues.

    The guide includes information on discussing mental health with doctors, screening for mental health issues, the value of knowing early diagnosis and intervention, and more.

  • Brave Health Online Mental Health Services

    Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.

    Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.

  • Bright by Text

    Bright by Text is a free text messaging service that delivers high-quality information to families to help them foster a child’s healthy growth, based on their exact age and developmental stage.

    Available in English and Spanish, the service covers children from prenatal through age 8.  Topics covered include brain development, speech and language skills, social-emotional development, reading and writing skills, nutrition, mental health, school readiness, and more.

    All information is provided by trusted content partners, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sesame Street, PBS Kids for Parents, and Zero to Three.

    Families can sign up by texting BRIGHT to 274448, or by using the form on the Bright by Text website. Text messages are customized by the child’s due date or age and zip code.

  • Bright Futures

    Bright Futures is a national child health initiative focused on prevention and health promotion for infants, children, adolescents and their families.

    The Bright Futures website provides a number of resources for children, teens and families and information to help families build a strong partnership with their healthcare providers.