ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Vietnam war veteran Emil Anderson shared his story to a large crowd. When he returned from his service, Anderson found himself struggling with finding a job and his mental health. He found support through the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) in Rochester. 

Now 50 years later, he’s helping bring in a new chapter for the organization through a new space. 

What You Need To Know

  • Rochester's new veteran peer center offers mental health services

  • They are open late and on weekends

  • The peer center is open to all veterans 

The new peer connection center is a place where veterans of all ages can relax, play games and just hang out. But the most important service it offers is after-hours mental health care. It's one of just a few places offering this for veterans across New York state. 

“Places that close at 5 p.m. leave little wiggle room for people who need help after that," said veteran Belinda Miller. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, upwards of 20% of veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Research also found that suicide rates of active military service members and veterans are at an all-time high, with deaths by suicide having increased by 25% in 2020 compared to the year before. After serving in the army, VOC executive director Laura Heltz felt isolated in sharing her experiences. 

She hopes opening this center gives those like her a space to open up. 

"The idea of bringing folks together who have lived shared experiences is one of the deepest forms of connection and bond and healing for people who have suffered trauma," said Heltz. 

The Peer Center will be open until 11 p.m. during the week and on weekends as well.