Veterans find help with new counseling service

May 31-- May 31--Veterans who return to civilian life sometimes find it hard to cope with the stress of everyday living. For Logan County veterans there is a new military support group that is offering help.

Kelly Crooks, a licensed clinical social worker with Memorial Medical Center in collaboration with SIU Medicine Center for Family Medicine, has set 9-10:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Logan County Department of Public Health, 109 3rd St., Lincoln, for veterans to gather and provide them with a chance to seek help.

Crooks is no stranger to life in the military with her parents serving in the Air Force and a sibling in the Army.

"While growing up I saw many cases of substance abuse, domestic violence issues and veteran suicides. I knew then that my mission was to help veterans," said Crooks.

"When a person joins the military, they become part of a team. When their service is over they have no team to support them. I'm hoping to create a team that helps," said Crooks.

The program asks veterans to complete a health questionnaire to evaluate the veteran's state of being.

"I will ask all to take this test so we can see where there is a need. Maybe a group setting will work or maybe the person finds themself in a bad place and needs individual counseling. My goal is for no veteran to feel alone," said Crooks.

Joe Schaler, a veteran who leads the Hayes-Krell Military Order of the Purple Heart, said Logan County serves over 2,400 veterans and thinks this program is something veterans should consider.

"Many veterans think there is nothing wrong with them until others notice a change. I'm glad we have this resource to help," said Schaler.

Crooks hopes the veterans of Logan County will gather for support.

"My goal is to have meetings when the veterans need help. We have set up this time in order to get something started. I hope to branch out and offer more perhaps in the evening and for example have a group devoted for female veterans," said Crooks.

The program accepts Medicaid and managed Care, Medicare, most private insurances and is aimed at both veterans and active military. The program also offers the VAC voucher program, medication assistance and community assistance. To make an appointment veterans can call (217) 735-2317 and press 1 to connect to the correct department.

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