Chris Smith U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 4th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Chris Smith U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 4th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
The Veterans Affairs Clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, has officially opened its doors. This 68,000-square-foot facility on Hooper Avenue began serving patients late last month and was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by several dignitaries. Among them were Patricia O'Kane, executive medical center director of the VA New Jersey Healthcare System; Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the VA's under secretary for health; U.S. Senator Cory Booker; U.S. Senator-elect Andy Kim; and U.S. Representative Chris Smith.
"It's finally here!" exclaimed O'Kane during the event. She thanked veterans for their patience as they awaited this expanded facility that replaces the James J. Howard clinic in Brick.
The new clinic aims to serve Ocean County's approximately 34,000 veterans, offering services such as general healthcare, mental health support, urology, cardiology, telehealth options, and an infusion center for chemotherapy patients. A complete women's healthcare center is also available at the site.
Dr. Elnahal emphasized that about 60,000 veterans reside in Monmouth and Ocean counties combined and noted that "they deserve the absolute best." The new facility is double the size of its predecessor in Brick and includes a separate entrance for women’s health services.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith has been advocating for a VA clinic in Ocean County since his first term in Congress in 1982. He remarked on the bipartisan effort to care for veterans and mentioned his collaboration with Democrats to secure this expanded clinic.
Senator Booker expressed pride in the women's clinic at Toms River and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve veteran services nationwide: "It is about time that we do more."
Former Toms River Mayor Maurice B. Hill Jr., who played a significant role in bringing the clinic to Toms River, attended the ceremony wearing his Navy uniform.
A proposal has been introduced by Rep. Smith to name the new facility after Leonard "Bud" Lomell, a World War II veteran known for his heroic actions during D-Day.
Located at 1055 Hooper Avenue next to a future county social services building, the $61 million project was developed by FD Stonewater under a 20-year lease agreement with FDS Toms River.
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