In the United States it is illegal to discriminate or be discriminated against in regards to employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit or business based on:

Race, Color, Creed, Religion, National Origin, Sex (Male/Female), Marital Status, Disability, Public Assistance, Age, Sexual orientation, and Familial Status.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of one of these reasons you may contact the following agencies for assistance.

 Illinois Department of Human Rights  

    Springfield Office (FEPA)

Discrimination in Government Programs

There are Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in government programs if the discrimination is based on:

Race, Color, National, Origin, Disability, Age, Sex, and Religion.

Here are some of the institutions, programs and service providers that may receive Federal program funds:

• Hospitals
• Medicaid and Medicare
• Physicians and other health care professionals in private practice with patients assisted by Medicaid
• Family Health Centers
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers
• Nursing Homes
• State agencies that are responsible for administering health care
• Foster Care Homes
• Day Care Centers
• Senior Citizen Centers
• Nutrition Programs
• State and local income assistance and human service agencies

How to File a Complaint of Discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights

If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, and in some cases sex or religion, by an entity (recipient) receiving financial assistance from the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, you or your representative may file a complaint with OCR.  Complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act.  OCR may extend the 180-day deadline if you can show “good cause.” Include the following information in your written complaint, or request a Discrimination Complaint Form from OCR:

Your name, address and telephone number.  You must sign your name.

If you file a complaint on someone’s behalf, include your name, address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship to that person – e.g. spouse, attorney, friend, etc.

1. Name and address of the institution or agency you believe discriminated against you.
2. How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against.
3. Any other relevant information.

Send the complaint to the Regional Manage at the appropriate OCR Regional Office or to OCR Headquarters as the following address:

Directory

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, SW

H.H.H. Building, Room 509-F

Washington, D.C. 20201

Telephone: 202-619-0403

E-Mail:

Website: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr