Children's Health Resource Center (North)

Visit us in person:

Looking for easy-to-understand health information? Stop in to browse our Metrick Pediatric Library collection of current books, magazines, videos, pamphlets and online resources. You can even search our library catalog online before you come see us.

The Metrick Pediatric Library was created through generous gifts from family, friends and colleagues of Seymour Metrick, M.D., long-time chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and lifetime advocate for the health of children.

Learn with us online:

We provide you with digital access to a wide range of trusted health resources.

• eBooks for Children's health: Find a wide collection of current health eBook titles
• KidsHealth Library: Find articles, games and videos for all ages – kids, teens and parents
• MedlinePlus: Trusted information from the National Institutes of Health

Remember to surf smart. Learn how to find trusted health information on the Internet.

Just for teens:

Do you wonder if the changes you are going through are normal? Are you stressed about school... your grades... your looks? Do you have an illness you want to learn more about? Would you like to learn about health careers? Explore these and other teen health concerns. The Children’s Health Resource Center offers many reliable resources for adolescent health. While we have great information, it is not a substitute for talking to your parents and your doctor about your health. Need more health information? Check out the KidsHealth Library teen section.

Personal assistance:

Whether you visit us in person or access our services online, the caring and educated staff in the Children's Health Resource Center can help with your search or help you gather materials.

→ Ask for assistance: Call 847-723-CHRC (2472) or contact us online with questions or to request health information. Your request will be handled confidentially.

Request more information:

Your health care team will provide you with the information you need to understand your child’s condition. If you would like to learn more, the Children’s Health Resource Center staff provides additional information and resources upon request. Contact our resource center staff at 847-723-CHRC (2472) during business hours to have information brought to your hospital room. After hours? Visit the Children’s Resource Kiosk located on the 2nd floor Lobby of Advocate Children’s Hospital, Park Ridge for self-service health information via Internet access and pamphlets.

→ Call 847-723-CHRC (2472) to request more information.

Children’s Resource Kiosk virtual tour

Emily Dorfman Learning Center:

Interactive medical play hospital: Does your child fear visiting the doctor, have a chronic illness or dream of becoming a doctor or nurse? Then plan a visit to our interactive medical play room. Under the guidance and supervision of a trained resource center team member, children can practice health care skills with teaching dolls and medical supplies. Therapeutic games, interactive CD-ROMs and anatomy models are also available for kids to explore their own health concerns.

NICU medical play: If your baby is in the hospital or is very ill, schedule a medical play appointment for your baby's siblings. Our "mini" Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) includes a child-friendly isolette and dolls with adapted medical equipment such as feeding and oxygen tubes. New! Our New Baby is in the Hospital: An Activity Book for Young Siblings

→ Schedule an appointment: Call 847-723-CHRC (2472) to schedule medical play time for your child.

View our virtual tour

The Emily Dorfman Learning Center was established through a generous gift by the Emily Dorfman Foundation.

Bike helmet fittings & sales:

Bicycle helmets are available for sale for just $11 each. We carry toddler, child, youth and adult helmets in a variety of styles and colors. Our trained staff offers custom fittings and education on how to wear helmets correctly.

• Make an appointment: Call 708-684-7019 for days and times.

→ Learn more about proper bike helmet fittings.

Car seat checks:

Each year, thousands of children are seriously injured and hundreds die as a result of not being properly restrained in a car seat. Advocate Children’s Hospital is dedicated to child safety. Our certified car seat technicians can evaluate and instruct on proper car seat installation. Car seat checks are available by appointment in Park Ridge.

• Make an appointment: Appointments are only virtual at this time. Call 708-684-7019 to schedule.

→ Learn more about proper car seat safety.

Sibsensations offers support for typically developing siblings of children with developmental and physical disabilities and selected chronic illnesses. The program allows children to meet peers with similar experiences in a fun, friendly and supportive atmosphere. Siblings will be able to share common joys and concerns and learn how to handle difficult situations.

Due to the COVID pandemic, our Park Ridge and Oak Lawn support groups are meeting together on Zoom until further notice. We meet monthly on Saturday mornings during the school year. There is no charge for Zoom meetings.

Who: Brothers and sisters (ages 8 to 13) of children with special needs

When: Saturdays, 9am to 11:30am (sessions are held monthly during the school year – call for upcoming dates)

Cost: $10 for each session; $5 for each additional family member

Registration required: Call 847-723-CHRC (2472) for meeting dates see our events calendar in our library catalog