COURT HOUSE – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is moving ahead with plans to expand clinical services in Cape May County.
Currently, the VA operates an outpatient clinic located on the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Cape May. The official “Sources Sought Notice” was published this week at www.fbo.gov. All parties interested in identifying available clinical space for development of a VA community-based outpatient clinic should submit applications no later than 3 p.m., (EST) Nov. 9.
“The current outpatient clinic, located on the Coast Guard base, was established many years ago. “The Coast Guard have been fantastic hosts, but new space is needed to provide for expansion and modernization of health care services to better coordinate and meet the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey,” said Vince Kane, director of the Wilmington VA Medical Center which oversees the clinic located on the U.S. Coast Guard base.
“Our veterans have told us that a more modern facility with an expansion of services is long overdue in Cape May County,” said Kane. “We must offer top notch services and modern facilities to entice more veterans to receive their health care through VA.”
Vince DePrinzino, a Marine combat veteran who served in Vietnam and Adjutant of American Legion Post 184 in Wildwood, New Jersey, said, “Veterans can’t wait for new space and services and we would love to see VA work more closely with existing health care providers here in Cape May.”
Input from veterans and community members has helped with the site selection process and the type of services needed. Over the past 9 months and with assistance from county officials, veterans have provided direct input to VA leadership at numerous area enrollment clinics and feedback sessions that have been held throughout the county. Another enrollment clinic is being held this Saturday, at the Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next Veteran Feedback meeting concerning the Cape May clinic relocation is scheduled for 12 p.m., Nov. 5 at the American Legion Post 184 in Wildwood, New Jersey.
“We must make the necessary investments in our health care facilities in order to provide quality care to those who have served our nation with honor and distinction,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker. “I am pleased to see leadership taking steps in the right direction and I will continue to work with my colleagues and VA officials to keep our commitments to veterans in South Jersey and throughout our great nation.
“Veterans have unquestionably earned the right to receive quality care closest to their home. I am pleased that Dr. Adelman and the new leadership at Wilmington are following through on their commitments to South Jersey veterans,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo, who has championed the cause for more VA services in South Jersey for many years. “We have made measurable progress over the past 18 months but we must continue to be vigilant to ensure our veterans get access to timely, high-quality health care locally. They should not have to travel across state lines to receive medical treatments.”
The Sources Sought Notice calls for a building or repurposing up to 7,200 square feet, designed to provide health care services to veterans within the county. The ideal location will be close to public transportation, have plenty of parking, and have space where veterans can utilize the clinic as a community resource. Responses to the Sources Sought Notice are due Nov. 9. People interested in responding to the VA official Source Sought Notice, should go to www.fbo.gov and review information for VA244-18-AP-0397 for a complete description and requirements for the project.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
