The South Jersey Times published the following article on January 10, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
Task force asks for improved health care access for South Jersey’s veterans
By South Jersey Times
on January 10, 2014 at 6:56 PM, updated January 10, 2014 at 6:57 PMTRENTON — The state senate approved a measure Thursday that urges federal officials to expand health care access for veterans living in South Jersey.
The resolution —sponsored by 1st District Senator Jeff Van Drew — was drawn up by the New Jersey Veterans Hospital Task Force and has a main goal of allowing veterans to receive government-sponsored care at local hospitals, as well as other challenges facing South Jersey’s veterans.
“For too long, veterans in South Jersey have been forced to travel hours to North Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware for treatment at a VA facility,” Van Drew said in a statement released Thursday. “For individuals who are older and are suffering with numerous health problems, the travel can take an incredible toll on their health.”
The VA currently has no inpatient medical centers in South Jersey. They run several small clinics in Vineland, Cape May and Northfield, but they are only equipped to handle certain services.
The recommendation is based on a pilot program that will give veterans access to several area hospitals that the task force said have already expressed interest in the program. Officials said the program would not only help veterans, but also save money.