ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK RECEIVES GRANT FOR VETERAN SERVICES

August 03, 2026 LI

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. – August 3, 2026 – St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY) has received a $3,800 grant from the proceeds of the 2025 Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon to continue its veteran peer health educator (VPHE) program on the University’s Long Island Campus in Patchogue.

The VPHE program at SJNY is led by professionally trained peer counselors certified in Veteran Mental Health First Aid, bridging the gap between social bonding and clinical wellness support that exists for many student veterans.

“Student veterans trained as VPHEs contain the unique perspective of shared peer experience, the capability for confidential, supportive intervention, and the knowledge of both on and off compass resources,” said Alexandra Peraino, MHS, assistant director of wellness for SJNY’s Center for Counseling and Wellness. “The VPHE training and experience provide valuable skills and ensure that Suffolk County veterans do not just enroll and attend college, but are provided the community and health resources necessary to thrive and complete their degrees.”

The 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report emphasizes that social connection and protective factors, such as peer support, are critical in reducing suicide risk, particularly for veterans aged 18–34, who experience elevated rates of crisis. In addition, mental health issues have consistently been found to negatively impact academic performance, degree completion, career development and life activities. 

“With more than 130 student veterans enrolled at SJNY, Suffolk County is home to one of the largest and youngest veteran populations in the Northeast,” said Dr. Fuchs. “After graduation, many of these veterans will reside and work in Suffolk County, and become the next generation of veteran advocates in Long Island communities.” 

St. Joseph’s proudly participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Yellow Ribbon Program and is continually recognized as a military-friendly school. As part of the University’s participation in the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Yellow Ribbon Program, financial support for education and housing is offered to military veterans. The University also offers credit for military training and experience, and countless opportunities to help make the University a familiar atmosphere as veterans transition from service member to civilian. 
The 2026 Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 18 and raises money to benefit veterans. To date, the Suffolk County Marathon has raised more than $1,000,000 for local veterans’ services.

For more information about SJNY, visit sjny.edu/military.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK
St. Joseph’s University, New York has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan region with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the University provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, social responsibility and service. With campuses in Brooklyn and on Long Island, and many online programs, the University offers more than 100 majors and minors, special course offerings and certificates, accelerated dual degrees and affiliated and pre-professional programs.