Peer-to-Peer Meetings Support Veterans Suffering from PTSD and Other Adjustment Complications
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the upcoming meeting schedule for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program. The Program, which is overseen by the Suffolk County Veterans' Service Agency and Suffolk County United Veterans, is designed to serve veterans, active duty, reserve and National Guard troops suffering from PTSD and other adjustment conditions. All veterans, regardless of discharge status, are welcome to attend, and no DD Form 214 is required to participate.
“As a veteran, I understand the importance of having a strong support system at home when you begin the transition back into civilian life,” said County Executive Bellone. “I encourage any veterans to attend this important program that has made a positive impact for veterans in Suffolk County and across the state.”
Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency Director, Thomas Ronayne said: “The Joseph Dwyer Program has proven to be an excellent fit within the veterans community. Complimented by the many supportive services available through the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, and our partner, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, we are seeing realresults for veterans and their families."
The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program provides safe, confidential, supportive, and educational opportunities for veterans who have faced challenges in their post-service transition. The Program allows veterans to meet with other veterans in support of their regaining of personal resilience and direction. Since its inception in 2012, over 10,000 veterans have participated in the Joseph P. Dwyer Program countywide – sharing their experiences with fellow veterans and allowing the healing process to begin.
Meetings of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project will take place weekly as shown below. Enrollment is based on a first-come, first-serve basis and registration may be required before attending certain group meetings.
Brookhaven MemorialHospital
101 Hospital Road
Patchogue, NY
Note: At main entrancefollow signs for Trailer B
Wednesdays at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
St. Joseph’s College
155 West Roe Blvd.
Veterans Resource Lounge, O’Connor Hall
Patchogue, NY
*This location provides individual outreach for student veterans on campus during the Fall and Spring Semesters on campus. During intersession and summer, the campuses Director, Office of Military & Veteran Services has information available to refer veterans to community resources.
Beacon House
1715 Union Blvd.
Bay Shore, NY
Tuesdays at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sag Harbor
Burkeshire Court
3330 Noyac Road, Bldg. D
Sag Harbor, NY
Tuesdays at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Vets Place
32 Mill Road
Yaphank, NY
Tuesday at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Brookhaven Vets Chat: Rose Caracappa Senior Center
739 Route 25A
Mt. Siani, NY
*Senior group meetings held on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Participants include veterans that have served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and “peacetime” veterans.
Liberty Village
600 Albany Avenue
N. Amityville, NY
Mondays at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
THRIVE Recovery Center
1324 Motor Parkway Suite 102
Hauppauge, NY
Meetings on Fridays 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The program is named for Private First Class Joseph Dwyer, who was a U.S. Army Combat Medic and Mount Sinai resident that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC Dwyer received national attention after a photograph surfaced that showed him carrying a wounded Iraqi boy, while his unit was fighting its way to Baghdad. After returning home and struggling with PTSD, PFC Dwyer succumbed to his condition in 2008.
For more information on the Joseph P. Dwyer Program, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services at www.suffolkcountyny.gov or by email at VetsPeerToPeer@suffolkcountyny.gov or by phone at (631) 853-8345.
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