MARION -- More Illinois veterans will have access to trained service dogs, now that Gov. Bruce Rauner signed HB 2897 on Friday in Marion. Now, more vets will be added to the eligibility pool of the Helping Paws Program, that trains dogs to assist veterans with physical or mental health ailments.
Compared with the general population, the veteran population has higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. Partnership with a service dog can help alleviate stress and feelings of isolation as veterans transition back into civilian life.
"One of our most important duties as a society is ensuring that our veterans have access to services that improve their quality of life," Gov. Rauner said. "Those who have served our state and country can face mental health challenges such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the Helping Paws service dog program will help provide the comfort and relief that our veterans deserve."
The Helping Paws Program is run by the Illinois Department of Corrections at Logan Correctional Center, a prison for women. It is a vocational dog training program that has served Illinoisans for 17 years, training more than 300 dogs. Once they graduate, the dogs assist people who are visually impaired, confined to wheelchairs, suffer from diabetes or epilepsy, and now will assist veterans with depression or PTSD.
The program partners with Mid America Service Dogs' Foundation and Paws Giving Independence. Veterans who participate in the program will be provided a service dog at no charge.
"It is our responsibility to take care of our veterans when they return home, and this small change will have a life-changing impact on the lives of those veterans who are struggling the most," said state Rep. Dave Severin, of Benton. "I am excited to see HB 2897 signed into law, as it will surely have a positive impact on the lives of those who deserve our help."
