Veterans’ Health

Grantee Name

Syracuse University, Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Funding Area

Veterans’ Health

Publication Date

July 2024

Grant Amount

$68,904

Grant Date:

June 2022 - December 2023

New York State is home to nearly 580,000 military veterans and welcomes an additional 4,000 each year who are transitioning from active duty.

Veterans can face challenges while transitioning from active duty to their new lives at home, and they often do not ask for help until issues have compounded or a crisis has arisen, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, in the worst cases. Peer-to-peer programs are an effective, popular approach for veterans, where they can comfortably open up to a fellow veteran about shared experiences. In New York State, the most widespread of these programs is the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, which takes a confidential peer-to-peer approach to reduce isolation, increase social connectivity, and connect veterans with community-based resources. In 2022, NYHealth awarded Syracuse University, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) a grant to expand the Dwyer Program across the State and help it implement best practices to better support veterans.

Under this grant, IVMF originally planned to collaborate with the State’s central Dwyer organization, the University of Albany (which evaluates elements of the program), and other peer mentor programs to develop best practices based on stakeholder input. These best practices were intended to assist New York counties in launching new Dwyer Programs or improving existing ones. However, soon after the grant was awarded, the State announced increased efforts to achieve a similar goal. This development presented IVMF with an opportunity to pivot from its original plan and complement these State-led efforts with a new approach: gathering peer mentors, providing ongoing training, and identifying opportunities to strengthen and support peer mentor programs.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

  • Convened nearly 200 representatives from veteran service organizations; institutions of higher education; and federal, State, and county agencies to provide training for peer mentors and gather feedback to inform future research efforts.
  • Summarized existing research on peer mentor programs, with a focus on what makes the Dwyer Program unique. The summary document includes policy recommendations, based on stakeholder input, to educate lawmakers and others invested in strengthening and expanding peer support services for veterans across New York.
  • Supported peer mentors through ongoing training. Participants from most counties attended training focused on burnout and other issues peer mentors might encounter. IVMF also provided hands-on support through four technical assistance sessions. These trainings have helped to maintain the well-being and effectiveness of peer mentors, ensuring they are well-equipped to support veterans.
  • Improved connections to community resources through a series of strategic initiatives. The conference, workshops, and monthly Dwyer Coalition meetings facilitated this goal by identifying and connecting peer mentors with valuable community resources.
  • Laid the groundwork for sustained State funding that will ensure the Dwyer Program’s longevity and influence. This project both strengthened the Dwyer Program and demonstrated the need for ongoing support. New York State provided $7.7 million in FY24 and $8 million in FY25 for the program.

Being nimble and flexible enough to adjust the scope of the project was critical to its success. Consistent communication and coordination among IVMF, NYHealth, and New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services ensured these efforts complemented rather than duplicated the State’s work to improve and expand the Dwyer Program. In order to continue the momentum, deepen relationships, and further strengthen peer mentor programs for veterans throughout the State, NYHealth awarded two grants in March 2024 to Clear Path for Veterans and the Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration to formalize the New York State Dwyer Coalition, create a shared advocacy agenda, increase outreach, and evaluate current services with the hopes of replicating successful program elements across New York. Moving forward, the Dwyer Program is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing critical support to veterans, fostering a network of care, and driving positive outcomes for those who have served.

Co-Funding and Additional Funds Leveraged: N/A