By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-851529.mp3
Northampton, MA – The V-A Medical Center in Northampton Massachusetts is receiving 5 point 8 million dollars from the federal government to build a new community living center...WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.....
The community living center, which is VA terminology for nursing home, will provide long term care as well as shorter duration rehabilitation services for up to 70 veterans at a time. Congressman Richard Neal visited th VA facility this morning to announce the money for the project had been included in this year's federal budget.
Neal praised the work of the VA medical system and said it was part of the contract the nation made with men and women who joined the military . He said veterans wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will need long term care from the VA.
The new community living center will be constructed on the second floor of Building One on the sprawling campus in the Leeds section of Northampton. The building is 85 years old and renovations will present some challenges according to the associate medical center director Joanne Carney, who says the project will involve the total renovation of the existing nursing home facilities to include more bathrooms, more private rooms, improved kitchen and recreational facilities.
Northampton Mayor Claire Higgins said funding for the project is a sign of Washington's commitment to keep the VA facility in Northampton. The Northampton VA hospital treats about 130 thousand patients annually.