The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is announcing a one-year contract with Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) to administer the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP), a 24/7 warm helpline and resource for Illinois Veterans, their families, and caregivers. This free and confidential service was initiated by the State of Illinois in 2011 to assist Veterans transitioning from military service and challenged with PTSD, mild TBI, Military sexual trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, substance abuse, and overall emotional wellness. IWAP provides the following services:
• Access to a 24/7 warm helpline
• Resource navigation
• Case management which includes assessment, case planning, implementation (service connection), monitoring, and follow-up
• Referral to behavioral health services placement after 24/7 access to warm helpline
The confidential warm helpline number is 877-455-IWAP (4297), and the website is www.Illinoiswarrior.org. The warm helpline is not a hotline, crisis line, or suicide prevention line. Those in crisis should call, 988 and select one (1), or dial 911. Veterans who are Illinois residents and neither an inmate of a public institution or resident of a nursing home are eligible to participate in IWAP’s services. To learn more: https://www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/.
