With chapters throughout Ohio, A Kid Again provides free fun adventures, hospital visitations and parents’ nights out for families with children who have serious medical illnesses.
777-G Dearborn Park Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43085
(614) 797-9500
akidagain.org
Non-profit granting wishes to qualifying children under age 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder. Call for program details.
Supports individuals living with arthritis through science, advocacy, resources, and community. Their website has great information on types of arthritis, treatments and medications, navigating insurance, finding a doctor, and healthy living interventions. Their Helpline is staffed by licensed social workers to help callers find support and resources Monday through Friday.
Helpline: (800) 283-7800
arthritis.org
Offers free summer camps and family retreat experiences for seriously ill children, in a safe, medically supervised environment. Medical care is provided by volunteer physicians and nurses coordinated by a full-time medical director. They provide camps for kids with asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, blood disorders, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, spina bifida and more.
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
(270) 618-2900
courageouskids.org
Search through their online directory to find information and condition-specific resources, arranged in alphabetical order by condition/diagnosis.
cincinnatichildrens.org/patients/child/special-needs/medical-health/conditions
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health
Program: Nonprofit providing occupational individual and group therapy, audiology and hearing aid services, speech-language therapy sessions and evaluations, community outreach programs, American Sign Language classes for adults and youth ages 16 and older, and a Support Service Provider program.
Eligibility: Varies by program, serves young children (under the age of 6 years old) up to seniors (65 years old and older)
Cost: Varies by program; self pay and accept many insurances, including Caresource, Molina and Medicaid
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
(614) 263-5151
columbusspeech.org
Offers support to kids coping with a health condition, from other kids with similar health conditions, by presenting a collection of parent-generated videos of kids sharing their experiences and encouragement, ways to handle stress, hospital stays and more.
copingclub.com
Helps families and providers caring for children with serious illness. The website offers educational videos and guides on topics related to grief and navigating hospice care. They also provide opportunities to connect with other families and providers, as well as provide advocacy resources and information related to pediatric palliative care. The information provided on the website is also available in Spanish. Visit the website for contact information.
courageousparentsnetwork.org
Supports music therapy, research, and provides live music experiences for wounded veterans and children or adults with life-threatening illnesses. Nominate yourself of someone you know with the gift of attending a live music concert for free. Go online for eligibility details and contact information.
doitforthelove.org
Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org
Healthcare providers can refer their patients, from ages 3-18 who have a chronic illness or disorder, to this national program which offers to help make a child’s dream/wish come true.
PO Box 1674, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
(740) 542-1254
dreamfactoryinc.org/southeastohio
Serves: children and adults with developmental disabilities
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services include early childhood education, adult day services, in-home care, referral services, and outpatient therapies. They also offer afterschool programs and summer day camps for children.
Provides a list of accessible dining, transportation, activities, hotels and other resources in and around Columbus that have been reviewed by disability inclusion experts. For specific questions about accessibility at a particular location, contact the location (or source of transportation) for the most up-to-date details.
(614) 221-6623
experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Provides a free outdoor adventure camp experience for children with serious illnesses ages 7-21, and their families. They provide a medically safe environment with a staff of volunteer healthcare professionals, and camp activities like crafts, campfires, archery, swimming, and more. Family Camp is open to families of children with a wide variety of diagnoses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, developmental differences, and more. They also have virtual camp experiences, camps for Mental Health diagnoses, and Siblings. Professionals can find volunteer and Child Life Practicum opportunities.
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org
A free kid-friendly short film series covering a wide range of cancer-related topics, including topics like defining cancer itself to chemotherapy, shots, surgery, and MRIs. The videos are offered in English and Spanish.
imaginaryfriendsociety.com
Offers free guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, ADA and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Their website also has helpful information on a wide range of medical conditions with related resources and accommodations.
Voice: (800) 526-7234
TTY: (877) 781-9403
Text: (304) 216-8189
askjan.org
Offers services for Central Ohio families managing diabetes including education and counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and wellness checks with registered nurses at their community center locations. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with no direct cost to patients. They also offer free testing supplies for those needing assistance, and accept donations for supplies. Camp Hamwi offers fun, outdoor summer camp experiences for youth ages 7-17 with diabetes. Camp fees are low and scholarships are available for families who qualify based on income.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Diabetes Services: 614-437-2912
Camp Hamwi: 614-437-2914
Locations: lifecarealliance.org/programs/wellness/wellness-centers
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda
Provides reconstructive surgery for children under the age of 21 born with facial deformities that reduce their quality of life, regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay. Surgeries are performed by highly skilled medical staff in New York City. Families fill out an application online, and if selected, a surgical coordinator works with families to coordinate travel and other arrangements. The organization covers all costs of accommodations, surgery, and travel.
135 East 74th Street, New York, New York 10021
(212) 333-5233
littlebabyface.org
Grants the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Children must be between 2-18 years old and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization. Children, parents, family members, and professionals can refer a child by completing the form on their local chapter website.
2545 Farmers Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 923-0555 or (877) 206-9474
Chapter website: wish.org/oki
National website: wish.org
Helps veterans and people with disabilities find information, support, and referrals for disability-related services. They also provide adaptive equipment loans, peer support groups, living skills classes and transition services.
1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 443-5936
mobileonline.org
Provides information and resources to help families learn more about rare disorders diagnosed through newborn screening. Families can find support and learn more about these rare conditions.
midwestgenetics.org/resources/for-families
Represents people with rare disorders. They have programs to help uninsured individuals in getting needed medications, provide a list of support groups for people with rare disorders and information about rare diseases.
National Headquarters: 55 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury, Connecticut 06810
NORD’s Patient Services: (800) 999-6673
Español: (844) 259-7178
rarediseases.org
Serves those who have been, or know someone that is, diagnosed with kidney disease. They provide educational materials and resources on the website about kidney disease, treatment options, transplantations, and up-to-date information for professionals. They also offer peer support groups, tools to find a provider near you, and tools for joining a research study. NFK Central Ohio also provides community education and shares knowledge of kidney disease with Columbus residents.
1491 Polaris Parkway Box 268, Columbus, Ohio, 43240
(614) 822-6184
kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-ohio
A hospital-wide family-to-family (peer-to-peer) mentor program. Connecting Families reaches patients of all diagnoses to link them with a family who has been through a similar treatment paths or life situations.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-6747
nationwidechildrens.org/connecting-families
Support groups at NCH can connect you with other families and resources in your time of need. Call for more information about program specifics. Not all programs are listed online, call Case Management Team if you are interested in finding a group that suits your family’s needs.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Case Management Team: (614) 722-6300
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/support-groups
Teenagers face many confusing life transitions, including transitioning from pediatric care to adult healthcare. This transition is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. NCH has several programs to help educate and support families with transitional care:
This website has a lot of information for teens that covers various health topics such as depression, relationships, staying safe, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, dealing with an alcoholic parent, marijuana use, body image and much more. There is also information for parents and educators.
teenshealth.org/en/teens
Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants
Non-profit assisting families with critically and terminally ill children so they can remain together during their hospitalizations and treatments. They award funding to pay for past due mortgages, rent, and utilities. Applications for assistance must be completed through the child’s medical team. Social Workers may also apply for HUG Bags care packages for children at home or in the hospital. Visit their website for eligibility requirements and program details.
Office: 3972 Brown Park Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 42026
Mailing Address: PO Box 153, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 946-7544
patchesoflight.org
Online resource supporting families and children with challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources, organizations and events to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges and topics of interest.
redtreehouse.org
Nonprofit working to raise awareness, advance research, and provide support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. Find health information for kids, families, and professionals, toolkits on topics like bullying and transition to adult care, online events, and information on research and clinical trials. They also have online support groups for parents, teens, LGBTQ+, and Spanish-speaking community members.
42-40 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, New York 11361
(888) 486-8738
tourette.org
Nonprofit providing medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be age 16 or younger, and covered by a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Find additional requirements and application instructions on their website.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org