Landmark program designed for Illinois veterans

From the Granite City Press-Record:

Saturday, July 21, 2007 1:10 PM CDT

The state launched a new program this month that will increase health care benefits for veterans and will later become part of the governor’s Illinois Covered insurance plan.

The first of it’s kind, the program is geared at screening every returning Illinois National Guard member for traumatic brain injury, offering traumatic brain injury screening to veterans, and creating a 24-hour toll-free psychological assistance for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue, we’re seeing what a serious toll combat can take on the mental health of brave men and women fighting on our behalf,” Gov. Rod Blagojevich said in a statement. “After they’ve given so much to protect our freedom, we should do everything we can to help them live productive and stable lives when they return home.”

The program will work in two parts: The traumatic brain injury screening will mandate screening for all Illinois National Guard members returning from deployment and offer free screening to all Illinois veterans. The post-traumatic stress disorder portion will offer 24-hour assistance to suffering veterans who need help.

“We can’t wait for the federal government to catch up with the news and growing mental health needs associated with combat, or for Illinois lawmakers to approve the comprehensive Illinois Covered program,” Blagojevich said. “Too many returning soldiers and veterans need help now.”

Illinois is the first state in the nation to establish a statewide traumatic brain injury screening program for veterans and returning soldiers.

~ by Anthony on August 3, 2007.