Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
It’s important for everyone involved in your child’s care to understand their needs and what makes them unique. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created “All About Me” Pages that you can personalize to help anyone on your care team and beyond get to know your child. These free templates highlight what works best for your child, what they like and dislike and who they are as a person.
There are a variety of designs to choose from to help you capture your child’s personality. You can share them with doctors, nurses, schools, other caregivers and more. Templates are available in both English and Spanish.
The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
“Got You Covered” in Carterville
“Got You Covered” is a non-profit organization that provides diapers, baby wipes and infant hygiene products to families in need. Diapers are available for infants, children and adults.
“Got You Covered” is located in the First United Methodist Church in Carterville. Diapers are provided as available. Anyone needing access to diapers, or who wants to donate diapers, can call (618) 922-6355 or reach out through the organization’s Facebook page.
“RSV, Flu and COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?”
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. HealthyChildren.org put together information on these infections and ways to protect your family.
“Steps for Better Health” Toolkits for People with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a series of easy-to-read fact sheets for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The “Steps for Better Health” toolkits provide information and health tips about many of the complications that can affect people with SCD. The CDC created the materials in partnership with the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
The “Steps for Better Health” toolkits are based on the ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines on SCD and include information on:
- Caring for common complications
- Lung health
- Blood clots
- Managing acute and chronic pain
- Blood transfusions
United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.
211 DuPage County – Community Resources and Information
211 DuPage provides information and access to trained local specialists who listen and help connect people with a wide range of resources that meet all their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email. 211 DuPage can help connect people with programs and services, including:
- Emergency counseling
- Disaster assistance
- Food, health care and insurance assistance
- Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
- Employment services
- Childcare and family services
- Veteran services and more
311 provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to:
- Create and track service requests
- Find rent or housing assistance
- Learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents
- Search and get information on other requests in your neighborhood
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 is the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
This fact sheet explains the basics about 988. (You can also see the fact sheet in Spanish.)
It’s easy to view self-care as a low priority when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Your role as a parent and parenting partner has unexpectedly changed. The child has urgent and complex medical needs; you must manage appointments and service providers, and learn new information about the disease and medical treatment—all while tending to the needs of other family members, work and/or other responsibilities.
The Courageous Parents Network provides this guide to help parents make time and find ways to take care of themselves.