Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
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 Mind Institute’s Family Resource Center provides information for parents, caregivers and others supporting children struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges. Resources include parenting guides, a glossary of terms and up-to-date information on learning and behavior disorders, sensory processing, milestones and more.
The Child Mind Institute offers a variety of free parenting guides in English and Spanish. Guide topics include:
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
Visit the CNF Family Support Program page 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.
Chinese American Service League
The Chinese American Service League (CASL) is a nonprofit agency with 40-plus years of experience educating youth, caring for seniors, training the workforce, placing immigrants on the path to citizenship and securing the housing and financial wellbeing for families and individuals in the Chicago Chinese community and beyond.
CASL has programs centered around children and youth development, senior wellness and independence, employment and financial empowerment, community and family wellbeing, Center for Social Impact and legal services.
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based social services agency targeting the low-income immigrant and refugee community. CMAA provides in-home services, adult education classes, citizenship and immigration resources for people from around the world, employment readiness help, community events and more. Staff members speak a variety of languages including Cantonese, Burmese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Chive Charities is a non-profit providing grants to support underserved veterans, military families, first responders and people with rare medical diagnoses. Chive Charities shares grant recipients’ stories to educate, advocate and inspire others to help provide a weekly grant to individuals with life-altering or life-threatening needs.
Chive Charities grant items must either improve quality of life or be medically-related and not fully covered by insurance. Past grants have included:
- Therapy equipment, such as adaptive tricycles and robotic walkers
- Service dogs
- Wheelchair-accessible vans
- Mobility items
Citizens Utility Board Help Center
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB)’s Help Center provides information and helpful resources for Illinois utility customers. with more information.
CUB provides information, including:
- Financial resources and where to find help with utility bills
- Disconnection rights
- Efficiency and safety tips
- Solar and efficiency programs