WESTAMPTON – The Burlington County Commissioners celebrated the newly renovated Raphael Meadow Health Department Building on Monday, saying the improved building would enhance Burlington County’s public health infrastructure and make it better prepared for any future health emergencies.
The rededication ceremony was held on the 50th anniversary of when the building first opened in 1975. It is named in honor of Raphael Meadow, Burlington County’s first health officer and health coordinator.
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Congressman Herb Conaway speaks during the ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the Burlington County Health Department Building and the completion of a $3 million renovation to the building.
(Courtesy of Burlington County)
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Congressman Herb Conaway speaks during the ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the Burlington County Health Department Building and the completion of a $3 million renovation to the building.
(Courtesy of Burlington County)
The 25,267-square-foot building serves as the administrative headquarters for the County Health Department and its many programs, including community nursing, communicable disease control, environmental health, WIC (Women Infants and Children), public health preparedness, and health education. About 92 of the Health Department’s 136 employees work from the building and its clinical space is used for multiple public health services, including child immunizations, COVID and flu vaccine clinics and Access to Reproductive Care and HIV (ARCH) nursing services.
“Good health care services shouldn’t be reserved just for the wealthy and well-connected. It needs to be accessible for everyone, including our most vulnerable populations,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell, the liaison to the County Health Department. “Last year, the Health Department administered more than 900 flu shots, distributed more than 3,400 COVID test kits, screened close to 1,300 people for HIV/AIDS and delivered clinic-based services to more than 3,400 residents. The renovations and investments in community health and infrastructure will allow our Health Department to better serve county residents.”
Improving access to care
The renovations expanded the Health Department’s clinical space, moving it to the front of the building to improve ease of access for residents. The changes also allow the building to function as a mass vaccination site during a health emergency.
The building also now has five exam rooms, up from two, plus a vaccine room, dedicated HIV and STD testing space, meeting room, new restrooms, plus new flooring, signage and LED lighting.
The renovation work was performed in-house by the Burlington County Department of Public Works Construction Services Division. The Division uses skilled union trade workers for small- and medium-sized construction jobs rather than hiring private contractors. Typically, this reduces the expense anywhere between 10 to 15 percent.
Approximately $3 million was expended on the improvements using a portion of $6 million in federal public health funding awarded to the County by the New Jersey Health Department and the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials.
Congressman Herb Conaway, who served as Burlington County Health Department Director from 2019 until the end of 2024, was among the current and former Health Department leaders who attended the ceremony, including current County Administrator Eve Cullinan, who served as Health Department Director from 2012 until her appointment to County Administrator in 2015, and former County Health Coordinator Robert Gogats and Deputy Health Department Director Tina Rizzo.
“Buildings like this deliver such important care,” said Congressman Conaway. “But it’s not just about the building, it’s the people who work in it. During my time here it was a privilege to work with so many people who were dedicated to the mission of public health, and not just the Health Department but other county agencies and community partners who were aligned with us to make sure the mission was accomplished.”
Lessons learned from COVID pandemic
State Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, also attended the ceremony, along with Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Balvir Singh.
“We need to work together to have accessible, affordable and reliable health care and Burlington County is helping to provide those services,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “These building renovations are not only important to the people who receive care here but also to the people who are delivering it.”
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said the building improvements reflect lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID made us realize we needed to think more about community health and invest in it,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “This building is a representation of how New Jersey is moving forward and improving our health infrastructure so we can make sure everyone here in Burlington County has access to public health resources.”
“As a former Burlington County Commissioner, I can provide a testimonial for the Health Department and the work they do, their personnel and expertise,” added Assemblyman Singh. “The way they do their work and their professionalism is extraordinary.”
Bringing health services to local communities
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the County also unveiled the Health Department’s newly purchased Mobile Health van, which will be used to bring general health screenings, community outreach, immunizations and HIV/STD testing directly into local communities.
The purchase and outfitting of the mobile unit is being funded by the County with its public health grant from the New Jersey Association of City and County Health officials.
Burlington County Health Department Director Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella said these investments reflect the County’s commitment to protect and promote community health across the entire county.
“This renovation is more than just new walls and spaces. It represents our continued commitment to public health, innovation and community service,” she said. “Public health often works behind the scenes. While our efforts are not always visible, they are always vital. From protecting our most vulnerable to responding to crisis, we ensure a healthier future for all.”
— Courtesy of Burlington County
