Suffolk County grant boosts veteran mental health and peer support programs

Suffolk County steered more than $129,000 from the 2024 Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon into veteran mental health and peer support programs, part of a county effort aimed at serving the state’s largest veterans population. County Executive Ed Romaine opened the 2025 grant application process on Feb. 21, with applications due April 1.

The money came from the marathon’s proceeds after the 10th annual race weekend on Oct. 19-20, 2024 drew more than 2,500 registrants across the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K events. County officials said the event has raised more than $1.1 million since it began, with funds going to more than 100 local organizations and nonprofits serving veterans.

The county has used those dollars to support groups that meet immediate needs and fill gaps in care close to home. Previous marathon grant recipients included Paws of War, America’s VetDogs, Warrior Ranch Foundation, Disabled American Veterans of NY Services, United Veterans Beacon House, Island Harvest, General Needs, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian and Long Island Cares, all groups tied to veteran support or broader community needs.

A major piece of the local safety net is the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, which launched in 2012 as a pilot partnership between Suffolk County United Veterans and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency. The program offers confidential, one-on-one peer-to-peer support for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, along with veteran-led peer support groups at sites across Suffolk County.

Suffolk County also says its veterans services network includes crisis intervention services, military and veteran family counseling, support, mental health and community peer programs. That mix matters in a county that officials say is home to the largest veterans population in New York State, where access to immediate, trusted help can determine whether a veteran reaches out or stays isolated.

Catholic Health president and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy said veterans “need and deserve our support,” while Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa said the funding would direct more resources to veteran services in the county. St. Joseph’s University, New York alumni highlighted the grant as another way to strengthen mental health initiatives and peer health educators work for veterans, with the county’s existing peer network serving as the clearest model for where that support can go next.