Resources for Families
After the Hospital
Going home or bringing home a loved one after an injury or a hospital stay can be scary – especially if the injury was major or requires lots of care like dressing changes. Make sure you have phone numbers to reach the providers who cared for you. If something does not seem right and you need medical advice/assistance:
- In a life-threatening emergency call 911
- In a mental health emergency call 988
- Call the initial provider.
- Seek follow up care – emergency rooms and trauma units are open 24 x 7.
- Keep your follow-up clinic appointments to make sure everything is healing properly.
- When getting medical information or making decisions about your care or of someone you are caring for – slow down the process, ask questions, expect answers in a language and in terms that are clear to you. Doctors and nurses use specialized terms – you are not expected to know them. Ask for clarification.
The NCTSN is a wonderful resource of information and services for children, families, and communities impacted by trauma.
10 Tip Series: The Intimacy Barrier by B.D. Perry M.D., Ph.D. includes useful material for working with children impacted by trauma.
After a Loss
Even though Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers and medical professionals are trained to do everything possible to save lives, sometimes people die.
- When a loved one dies in a shooting incident, Chicago Survivors offers support and bereavement counseling throughout Chicagoland.
- When a child dies in a shooting incident, Purpose Over Pain – with roots at St. Sabina’s Parish on Chicago’s south side – provides crisis support to parents or guardians whose children have been victims of gun violence.
- Churches and clergy you know or are in your neighborhood are often good sources of support during a crisis. Reach out.
- Many organizations offer bereavement support groups and can be found on line.
Do you or someone you know need support?
If you or someone you know needs support from a mental health professional, contact HHPC staff by calling (312) 864-2735 or by emailing us.