Congressman Kean calls for expanded VA resources, new Vet Center in Hunterdon County
HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a new Vet Center in Hunterdon County, saying the facility would bring services closer to more than 5,000 veterans living in the county.
Kean, R-N.J., sent a letter Tuesday to VA Acting Under Secretary for Health John Figueroa proposing the new center and asking the agency to expand its resources in Hunterdon County.
“More than 5,000 veterans reside in Hunterdon County, and many would benefit significantly from having these critical resources available closer to home,” Congressman Kean wrote. “This effort aligns with my broader initiatives to expand VA resources throughout Northwest New Jersey.”
The request follows previous efforts by Kean to expand access to veterans services in the region. In 2023, he introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at broadening access to Vet Center mental health counseling for veterans and their families. According to Kean’s office, that effort led to the creation of two Veteran Center Community Access Points in Morris and Warren counties.
Hunterdon County officials are supporting the effort and have offered county office space to the VA at no cost.
“The Commissioner Board appreciates Congressman Kean’s continued efforts to secure additional health care services for Hunterdon County veterans,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “Having a local VA access point is important, and the Commissioner Board reaffirms its offer to provide county office space to the Department of Veterans Affairs free of charge to help make this initiative a reality.”
Hunterdon County Veterans Service Officer Rich Booth said a local access point could reduce the need for veterans to travel outside the county for services.
“Access to health care remains one of the most important issues facing our veterans. A local VA access point in Hunterdon County would make it easier for veterans to connect with the care and services they have earned, while reducing the need to travel outside the county,” said Hunterdon County VSO Rich Booth. “We appreciate Congressman Kean’s efforts and the County’s commitment to helping bring these services closer to home.”
