This summer, SJNY 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 Long Island Campus.
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.
With more than 130 student veterans enrolled at SJNY, the VPHE training and experience aim to provide valuable skills and ensure that veterans do not just enroll and attend SJNY, but are provided the community and health resources necessary to thrive and complete their degrees, 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 2026 Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18 and raises money to benefit veterans. To date, the Suffolk County Marathon has raised more than $1,000,000 for local veterans’ services.
