Medical/Health Resources
The Conversation Project is an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to help people talk about their wishes for care through the end of life so others can understand and respect those wishes. The project offers free tools, videos and other resources to help make difficult conversations with loved ones easier. Resources are available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Audio (English). Guide topics include:
- A conversation starter guide
- Talking to your health team
- What matters to me workbook for people with serious illness
- How to start talking with a child who is living with a serious illness about the health care that is right for them
- Encouraging conversations in your community
The HAP Foundation provides patient-centered hospice and palliative care education, research, workforce development and support. The foundation helps any family of a child or adult living with a serious illness understand palliative and hospice care options, and connect to and strengthen care throughout their journey. The HAP Foundation resources also include:
- Palliative and hospice care information for families and medical professionals
- Help for finding and accessing care
- Missing Pieces support group for anyone grieving the loss of a child
- The Pediatric Resource Guide for patients, families and practitioners
- Chicagoland resources and events
The official site of the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, Inc. (HIKE). The purpose of the fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and 20 years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially.
Children are eligible to receive a grant providing the need is verified by a prescription from an audiologist or physician.
The Humanitarian Foundation Grottoes International program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesia costs, for children with Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Organ Transplants or Muscular Dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders.
The Hydrocephalus Association provides information and resources for people of all ages living with or caring for someone with hydrocephalus.
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB)
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) promotes vision and eye health in the state of Illinois. ISPB provides:
- Eye care education programs and information
- Youth replacement glasses and low-vision equipment reimbursement services
- Research grant opportunities
- Speakers and screening events
The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities with new and gently-used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.
Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:
- Strollers
- Wheelchairs
- Bath and toilet systems
- Crutches
- Canes and more
The Little Resource Center in Carbondale
The Little Resource Center (TLRC) provides free health, safety, and well-being services to strengthen and empower families, parents, and caregivers. TLRC services and programs are free. Help includes infant and postpartum care items, classes and webinars on various wellness topics, and referrals to other needed services. The Little Resource Center’s support includes:
- Short-term diaper and formula assistance
- Events, classes and support groups for families, caregivers and expecting parents
- Referrals to healthcare providers, social service agencies and community-based agencies for resources
The Shannon Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping to pay for medical care for children whose families can’t afford it
Working through social workers at various hospitals across the country to identify kids in need, the foundation has paid for medicine, medical tests and procedures, equipment (such as wheelchairs, ventilators, etc.), hospital visits, surgery, medical co-pays, chemotherapy and physical therapy.
For more information, email shannonfoundation@fishersuhr.com or call (303) 436-1224.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) fosters personal relationships and service to people in need. Local SVdP Councils and Conferences, located in rural, suburban, and urban communities, provide rental and utility assistance, food pantries, charitable pharmacies, day centers, transitional housing for people with disabilities and veterans, thrift stores and more.
SVdP has chapters throughout Illinois. To find help near you, contact SVdP or ask your local Catholic church if they have a Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter.