By Cecile P. Windels, MD, The Healthy Child in Darien, CT
The pediatric staff at The Healthy Child in Darien have put together this helpful resource guide for parents with children of all ages.
We maintain separate sick and well waiting rooms to minimize the spread of germs. We are cognizant of potential transmission of illness and so we never have newborns wait in any waiting room.
The practice also offers a variety of support groups for their patients such as New Mom Groups, Asthma Support Groups and Food Allergy Groups.
The pediatric staff at The Healthy Child in Darien have put together this helpful resource guide for parents with children of all ages.
In the event of a true, life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Emergency Resources
Poison Control
- American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
24-hour hotline: 1.800.222.1222.
Suicide And Crisis
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups, mental health professionals, resources on loss and suicide prevention information. Phone: 1.888.333.2377
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and information on domestic violence. Phone: 1.800.799.7233
- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They also provide a chat function on their website. Phone: 1.800.273.8255
Informational Websites and Hotlines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1.800.CDC.INFO (800.232.4636) - American Academy of Pediatrics
- La Leche League
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Vaccines and Main Website
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Mayo Clinic
- American Board of Pediatrics
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Car Seat & Booster Guidelines and Safety
Recall Database
Mental Health Conditions
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides information on prevention, treatment and symptoms of anxiety, depression and related conditions. Phone: 240.485.1001
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provides information and referrals on ADHD, including local support groups. Phone: 800.233.4050
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums. Phone: 1.800.826.3632
- International OCD Foundation provides information on OCD and treatment referrals. Phone: 617.973.5801
- Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) maintains the Schizophrenia Anonymous programs, which are self-help groups and are now available as toll free teleconferences. Phone: 240.423.9432
- Sidran Institute helps people understand, manage and treat trauma and dissociation; maintains a helpline for information and referrals. Phone: 410.825.8888
- TARA (Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder) offers a referral center for information, support, education and treatment options for BPD. Phone: 1.888.482.7227
Teens & Young Adults
- Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. 1 in 5 live with a mental health condition—half develop the condition by age 14 and three quarters by age 24.
- For some, experiencing the first signs can be scary and confusing. Discussing what you are going through with others is an important first step to getting help. Speaking up and asking for help is a sign of strength. You will be amazed by the support you get simply by asking.
- A mental health condition isn't your fault or your family's fault—it develops for complicated reasons that researchers are only starting to understand. But we understand a lot about how you can live well with a mental health condition—and you have the power to take the steps necessary to improve your mental health.
- Mental health services and supports are available and the earlier you access them the better. Many teens and young adults live full lives with a mental health condition. More and more teens and young adults are speaking out about their experiences and connecting with others. Check out Ok2Talk to see what others are saying. You are not alone—there are others out there going through the same things you are.
Research & Statistics
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on statistics, clinical trials and research. NAMI references NIMH statistics for our website and publications. Phone: 1.866.615.6464
Financial Assistance
- Allsup provides non-attorney representation when applying for SSDI. Phone: 800.279.4357
- HealthCare.gov provides specific information about coverage options in your state, includes private options, high risk pools and other public programs. Phone: 1.800.318.2596
- Needhelppayingbills.com provides information on state and local assistance programs, charity organizations and resources that provide help paying bills, mortgage assistance, debt relief and more.
- NeedyMeds provides information on available patient assistance programs. Phone: 1.800.503.6897
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage get the medications they need.
Advocacy And Legal
- Legal Services Corporation provides civil legal aid to low-income Americans. Use their website to find programs in individual states. Scroll to the bottom of their website to find locate legal aid near you.
- National Bar Association provides a directory of state and local bar associations to help find legal representation.
- National Disability Rights Network (State Protection and Advocacy Agencies) protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in hospitals and state prison systems. Click on the map on the right-hand side of their website to locate the agency near you.
Community Support Services
- Clubhouse International provides a directory of clubhouses. Clubhouses provide opportunities for education, employment and social activities. Click the 'International Directory' tab on their website to find contact information for local clubhouses.
- The Homeless Shelter Directory provides a national directory of homeless shelters, assistance programs, soup kitchens and more.
- Job Accommodation Network is an organization that provides resources and guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Their website includes a directory of state vocational rehabilitation offices. Phone: 800.526.7234
- 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 from a local phone or use their website to search for organizations that offer local support resources and services.
About The Healthy Child of Darien, CT
At The Healthy Child, we treat your family with warmth and compassion.We maintain separate sick and well waiting rooms to minimize the spread of germs. We are cognizant of potential transmission of illness and so we never have newborns wait in any waiting room.
The practice also offers a variety of support groups for their patients such as New Mom Groups, Asthma Support Groups and Food Allergy Groups.