Last week, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services attended the Veterans’ Health Conference: Understanding New York’s Newest Veterans to explore the results from the RAND Corporation’s new report on the health and well-being of New York State’s newest veterans.

Based on a survey of New Yorkers who recently separated from military service, the report offers the first comprehensive look at New York veterans’ health and social service needs since RAND’s landmark needs assessment nearly 14 years ago.

Dixon Center interfaced with leaders and researchers at the conference to stay connected with the evolving needs of veterans and their families, especially in New York state. The quote above from Derrick Coy of the NY Health Foundation reinforces the point, that if you’ve met a veteran, you’ve met a veteran. Engaging with organizations like RAND and the NY Health Foundation allows us to understand the complex and diverse needs of the veteran community, informing our solutions to build the capacity of our partners who integrate veterans and their families into their existing programs.