CHICAGO: Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich launched the first of its type Illinois Warrior Assistance Program in the country that will screen returning Illinois National Guard members for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while offering TBI screening to all Illinois veterans, and a 24-hour toll-free psychological helpline for veterans suffering from symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have made major sacrifices on behalf the country and they deserve every opportunity to live healthy, stable lives, according to a news release from the Illinois governor office.

Many of the service members face multiple deployments and the number of Veterans suffering from TBI and battling PTSD is only growing as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue. The IWA Program will offer confidential assistance through the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program to effect an easier transition from their tour of duty to everyday life, the release noted.

If a veteran has a positive screening for PTSD or TBI and is uninsured or underinsured, he or she could be eligible for additional diagnostic review and treatment for PTSD or TBI through the Program. The hotline and the network of providers will be operated through Magellan Health Services, Inc.