Monday, November 26, 2018

New Veterans Wing to be Unveiled at Meadowview Meet & Greet Event - December 7

Atlantic County veterans, their families and the public are invited to learn more about the services provided at the Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including its recent approval by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with medical services covered by the Veterans Administration.

The county facility located at 235 Dolphin Avenue in Northfield will hold a Meet and Greet event and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new veterans’ wing on Friday, December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Atlantic County has been strongly advocating for local medical care for veterans for many years, according to County Executive Dennis Levinson.

“Congressman Frank LoBiondo and I first discussed this idea with the late Pinky Kravitz on his radio show. Through sheer determination and perseverance, and with the support of our local veterans’ organizations, we were able to convince the Veterans Administration to offer veterans the same VA medical services here in their own community that they previously had to travel out of state and on a bus for more than 100 miles round trip to receive,” he said. “It was a hard fought and lengthy battle, but we won, and to the delight of all, it has now come to fruition.”

Meadowview is a 180-bed facility that offers subacute rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, IV and wound therapy, respite care, hospice and long-term care.

Facilities that are awarded VA contracts are required to go through a rigorous federal open bidding process, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our new veterans’ wing includes 30 beds and has been decorated with military photographs as well as the American flag and flags representing the six military branches which were generously donated by the Brigantine Elks Lodge 2428.”

The December 7 event will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 AM followed by facility tours throughout the day. Representatives from the VA Clinic in Northfield, the county’s Division of Public Health and Division of Intergenerational Services will be on hand with education and informational materials along with other community partners.

Current veterans who reside at Meadowview will be treated to a holiday pizza party at noon provided by AmVets Post 911. The facility recently hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 11 to honor the sacrifice and service of 21 veterans and current Meadowview residents in addition to all those who have served in the military.

Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center also dedicated a new outdoor Healing Garden last spring where veterans can find comfort, beauty and solace.

“We are extremely proud of Meadowview and of this opportunity to expand our services for the benefit of all veterans entrusted to our care,” Levinson said.

 

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