Services & Programs. 

The following is a list of services and programs offered in Illinois to support the health of people during the perinatal period. While this list is not exhaustive, it's a good starting point to understanding the types of programs and services that can help support people before, during, and after their pregnancy journey.

Application for Benefits Eligibility

The Application for Benefits Eligibility at ABE.Illinois.gov is the official State website in Illinois for applying for and managing Medical, SNAP, and Cash benefits. Use this site to see if you are eligible for benefits.

Better Birth Outcomes

Better Birth Outcomes (BBO) is a program that offers a standardized prenatal education curriculum to high-risk pregnant women in targeted areas of the state. Women are enrolled in BBO through the duration of pregnancy up to six weeks postpartum. 

Breastfeed Chicago

Breastfeed Chicago is a mom-powered, non-profit organization established to support mothers in breastfeeding. We work to build a cohesive and sustainable support network for breastfeeding moms through the connection of resources, cultural normalization, and institutional advocacy. Utilize this resource to access a directory of IBCLC lactation consultants that serve the Chicagoland area, breast feeding support groups, and other resources and services.

Family Connects Chicago

Family Connects Chicago is a Chicago-based program that provides in-home nurse services to Chicago families with newborns. There is no additional cost to the family and anyone with a newborn can participate, including foster and adoptive parents. Email info@healthychicagobabies.org to schedule your in-home nurse visit.

Feeding America

The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger. If you are outside of Cook County, utilize this resource to contact your local community Food Bank to find food.

Get Covered Illinois

Get Covered Illinois is the state's official health marketplace. On the Get Covered Illinois website, you can find step by step information for how to apply and enroll in health coverage as well as tools on how to use your coverage. You can also connect directly with an enrollment assister to address coverage questions. 

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Everyone needs nourishment from time to time. If you need food, our partners and programs are here to help. Utilize this resource to find a Food Program in the Chicagoland area.

Healthy Start

Healthy Start is a federally funded parent support program that focuses on reducing differences in access to, and use of health services, improving the quality of the local health care system, empowering women and their families, and increasing consumer and community participation in health care decisions. This program is delivered by community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout the state. You can find the full list of current grantees here.

Illinois Action for Children

Illinois Action for Children provides families with the resources they need to find affordable child care and early education programs. This includes helping families understand if they qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps parents that are in school or working pay for child care. They also have additional family support services, including the Teen Parenting Project and Prevention Initiative, which supports teen mothers and their children build a strong foundation for success.

Illinois Healthcare Portal

Through this website people can review all of the health related programs offered by the state and be linked to the appropriate websites and resources.

Text4baby

Text4baby sends FREE messages to pregnant women & moms with health & safety info. Text BABY to 511411

Start Early

Start Early provides both home visiting and doula support programs. Their evidence-based home-visiting programs provide child development and parenting information to support teen parents. Their doula program primarily serves first-time teen parents to help them build strong bonds with their babies before the child is born. Doulas provide weekly home visits to encourage prenatal care, offer ongoing support at the hospital during labor and delivery, and provide postpartum home visits for 6 to 8 weeks.

United Way

Utilize this resource to connect with a community resource specialist in your area that will help you find services and resources that are available to you, including: supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options and utilities assistance, emergency information and disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, services for veterans, health care, vaccination and health epidemic information, addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs, reentry help for ex-offenders, support groups for individuals with mental illness or special needs, and a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse.