Local veterans counseling services set to improve access and affordability

[December 05, 2019]  Six months ago Kelly Crooks, LCSW a clinical social worker with Memorial Medical Center in collaboration with SIU School of Medicine began offering a weekly group session every Thursday morning from 9:00 -10:30 that required preregistration and individual sessions for a fee were also offered to Honorably discharged vet's.

Beginning in December, Kelly is preparing for a number of improvements to make this benefit more accessible and affordable to Logan County veterans:

• The Thursday morning group sessions no longer require preregistration and are free as is the coffee and donuts!
   

• Uninsured vet's seeking individual sessions will be able to have up to six sessions at no cost.
   

• Walk-ins during regular business hours, if Kelly is not available the staff will arrange an appointment.
   

• Veterans who are in the Vet Court program will have the group sessions count towards completing their personal requirements.

The Group session as well as individual sessions are held at the Logan County Health Department located at 109 3rd St, Lincoln. To set an appointment or have questions please call 735-2317 option #1.

The Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission and SIU School of Medicine are working together to provide the best care possible by providing additional funding to this program and to have no veteran left behind. In addition the Veteran Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-800- 273-8255.

[Joe Schaler]