JOSEPH P. DWYER VETERANS PEER SUPPORT PROJECT
Named to honor the memory of an Iraq war 
hero from Mount Sinai, NY, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project is a peer-to-peer program for Veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Launched in 2012 as a pilot partnership between the Suffolk County United Veterans program and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, the Dwyer Project takes a confidential, one-on-one, peer-to-peer approach that has rapidly captured the attention and support of both veterans and mental health professionals statewide and across the nation.
The program has steadily demonstrated that the peer-to-peer model holds tremendous, untapped value as a tool for helping Veterans transition and reintegrate back into civilian life.
Through the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, we are proud to have taken a leadership role in piloting this innovative program that will soon serve as a national model for Veterans assistance. We are also indebted to the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency for the critical role they have played as a partner in supporting the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project.
When I was first introduced to the Joseph Dwyer Peer Support Group is was advertised as a “PTSD” group, but it was so much more than that. It’s about coming in contact with other Veterans, learning how to deal with your own issues and becoming stronger. It is a true power to have this type of communication. My facilitators are fantastic in organizing programs and ideas for how to help each other. The group is fundamental to what we need. You get Veterans together and get them talking, they can work out their issues. This is one of the most important programs for Veterans I have ever seen. It is important to me and very much in my heart.” ~KyleContact:
Nancy Tappin, Program Coordinator
Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project
ntappin@mhaw.org
(631) 853-8345