Medical/Health Resources
This site is a directory for locating dentists in the Chicago area.
Chicago Survivors (CS) provides crime victim services and support to family members of Chicago homicide victims. Services are free, voluntary and open to all. Services include a crisis helpline and response services, protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance, funeral planning, counseling, wellness kits, support groups and more. Help is available in Spanish and English. Real-time translation services for other languages is also available.
The Chicago Survivors Crisis Helpline is open 24/7 at (877) 863-6338.
Chicago Survivors resources and services also include:
- Counseling for youth and adults
- Comprehensive referral services (e.g., grief counseling, legal aid, housing, utilities)
- Protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance
- Court advocacy and unsolved case assistance
- Community of Survivors adult and youth workshops, events and groups
Child & Family Connections of McHenry County
Child & Family Connections (CFC) is the starting point for the referral of children under 36 months of age to the Part C Early Intervention Service System in McHenry County. Early Intervention services are designed to meet an infant’s or toddler’s needs if they are experiencing issues related to five specific areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional and adaptive.
For more information, click on the brochure in English or Spanish.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Information and Resources
Mental health is an important part of overall health for children as well as adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) provides a list of behavioral signs and symptoms to watch for in children and adolescents. This NIH site also includes information on:
- Addressing and finding treatment
- Health hotlines
- Mental health research news
- Educational information
The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources, and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services and emotional support.
CNF’s Family Support Program helps families navigate the journey of being a caregiver of a child with a neurologic condition. Families can connect with trained staff who will listen and help with:
- Learning about a child neurology disorder and clinical trials
- Connecting to disease-specific organizations
- Talking to another parent
- Navigating insurance and more
See the CNF Family Support Program flyer to learn more. You can request help online or by calling (859) 551-4977.
Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance
The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:
- Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
- Annual caregiver grants
- A list of resources by state
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies
All children have unique needs in emergencies, but care for children with special healthcare needs is often more complex because of their various health conditions and extra care requirements. They may have a hard time moving from one place to another, urgent or constant medical needs, difficulty communicating or have trouble with transitioning to different situations. A disaster can present all these difficulties at once.
The CDC provides information on how to prepare and respond so you can help maintain calm and keep your family safe.
Children’s Craniofacial Association
Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) is a national, nonprofit organization providing resources to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by craniofacial conditions. CCA resources include:
- Financial assistance
- Educational overviews and video library
- Craniofacial surgery care packages
- Resources for teachers and parents
Visit the Children’s Craniofacial Association website for more details.
City of Chicago Emergency Assistance Registry for People with Disabilities or Special Needs
The City of Chicago has created a voluntary registry for individuals who may need assistance in the event of an emergency.
Individuals with disabilities or special needs or their caregivers can sign up at www.cityofchicago.org/voluntaryregistry/ or contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) at (312) 744-7050 for additional information.
Cleft and Craniofacial Condition Resources
HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides articles and information for parents and caretakers of children with a cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial disorder.