Resources
POCHA (Parents of Children Having Allergies)
Meetings: The 2nd Monday of every month at the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Library, 255 W. Augusta, in Oak Park, IL at 7:00 p.m. Annual dues are $15.00, but no one is ever turned away.
Contact: Diane Zimmer Fascione, (708) 383-8571
POCA of DuPage (Parents of Children with Allergies)
Coordinator: Kellee Konieczny, (815) 603-4838
POCWAW (Parents of Children with Allergies-Wilmette)
Contact: Julie Campbell, (847) 917-9117
CIFAN (Central Illinois Food Allergy Network)
A support and educational network for families of children with food allergies. Meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at the Urbana Free Library.
Contact: Sarah Wilds
POCHA of Will County
Bimonthly meetings are held at the: Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 333 N. Madison Street, Joliet, IL 60435.
Contact: Eleanor Garrow-Majka
MOCHA – Chicago (Mothers of Children Having Allergies
Contact: Lorraine Bachand
Meetings at: Children’s Memorial Hospital Outpatient Center
MOCHA-North (Mothers of Children Having Allergies)
Contacts: Denise Bunning, Anne Thompson
MOCHA Northwest
Contact: Dana Trawczynski, (847) 398-3491
Peoria Food Allergy Parents
A newly formed support group for parents of children with severe food allergies living in Peoria, Illinois and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide emotional and practical support for parents of children with severe food allergies through meetings, shared resources, social activities and advocacy projects. If you are interested in learning more about our group or joining us for our next activity, please contact Stephanie Kroodsma at peoriafoodallergyparents@gmail.com. Please include the word ‘allergy’ in the subject line.
Stateline FAST (Stateline Food Allergy Support Team)
Near the Illinois and Wisconsin border. Contact: Bev Pomering
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
11781 Lee Jackson Hwy, Suite 160
Fairfax, VA 22033-3309
(800) 929-4040
More Resources:
- Food Allergy Initiative
- Kids with Food Allergies
- An alternate source for Food Allergy Alert cards
- New epinephrine auto-injector is on the market. 2 doses in one.
- For the school nurse. What she can use to train the school staff. Info. Quiz.
- Wilmette School District 39 allergy guide
- U.S. Department for Civil Rights – Chicago Office
U.S. Department of Education
Citigroup Center
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661
Telephone: 312-730-1560
FAX: 312-730-1576; TDD: 877-521-2172
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov - A 504 Plan for your child, Frequently asked questions
- Food Allergy Initiative. Research. Sample 504 plans. Download sample letters, action plans, etc.
- Complete lists of ingredients to avoid for food allergies.
Use caution and check with your physician before using any information found on-line.