Burlington County celebrated a major milestone with the completion of extensive renovations at the Raphael Meadow Health Department Building in Westampton. The newly upgraded facility is designed to enhance public health services and better prepare the county for future health emergencies, while marking the 50th anniversary of the building’s original opening in 1975. Named in honor of Raphael Meadow, Burlington County’s first health officer and coordinator, the building has long been a central hub for public health programs and services.
The rededication ceremony brought together county leaders, state officials, and public health experts, including Congressman Herb Conaway, who served as Burlington County Health Department Director from 2019 through 2024, and current County Administrator Eve Cullinan, a former Health Department Director. Also present were Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, Assemblyman Balvir Singh, and current Burlington County Department of Health Director Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella. During the event, several officials participated in demonstrations of the building’s upgraded clinical services, including flu vaccinations and tours of the expanded facilities.
Spanning 25,267 square feet, the Health Department building serves as the administrative headquarters for a wide range of programs, including community nursing, communicable disease control, environmental health, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), public health preparedness, and health education. Nearly 92 of the department’s 136 employees work in the building, and its clinical spaces support critical services such as child immunizations, flu and COVID vaccine clinics, and Access to Reproductive Care and HIV (ARCH) nursing services. Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell emphasized the importance of equitable access, noting that last year alone the department administered over 900 flu shots, distributed more than 3,400 COVID test kits, screened roughly 1,300 residents for HIV/AIDS, and delivered clinic-based services to over 3,400 individuals. The renovations aim to strengthen the department’s capacity to serve residents efficiently and effectively.
Significant improvements to the building include the expansion of clinical areas to improve resident access, five modern exam rooms (up from two), a dedicated vaccine room, spaces for HIV and STD testing, upgraded meeting rooms, restrooms, LED lighting, new flooring, and improved signage. The renovated layout positions clinical services at the front of the building, ensuring easier access for visitors, and allows the facility to function as a mass vaccination site during public health emergencies.
The $3 million renovation was carried out in-house by the Burlington County Department of Public Works Construction Services Division, leveraging skilled union trade workers rather than private contractors. This approach helped reduce costs by an estimated 10 to 15 percent. Funding for the improvements came from a portion of $6 million in federal public health grants awarded to Burlington County by the New Jersey Health Department and the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials.
Congressman Conaway praised the dedication of public health staff, saying the building represents more than just its physical structure. “Buildings like this deliver essential care, but it’s the people inside who make the difference,” he remarked, highlighting the professionalism and commitment of Health Department employees and county partners who work to ensure public health goals are met. Assemblywoman Murphy stressed the broader impact of the renovations, noting that the upgrades benefit both those receiving care and those delivering it. Assemblywoman Katz reflected on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining that the improvements demonstrate New Jersey’s commitment to proactive public health planning. Assemblyman Singh added that the Health Department’s personnel and expertise are “extraordinary,” underscoring the value of investing in local health infrastructure.
The event also showcased Burlington County’s new Mobile Health van, which will deliver preventive screenings, immunizations, and community health outreach directly to residents. The mobile unit was funded through the county’s public health grant and is part of ongoing efforts to bring accessible care to local communities. Dr. Cucuzzella emphasized that the renovations and mobile unit reflect the county’s long-term commitment to public health, innovation, and service, ensuring that Burlington County remains prepared to protect the well-being of all residents.
Burlington County’s investment in its Health Department highlights a broader focus on accessible, comprehensive health services and community wellness. The upgraded facility sets a model for local public health infrastructure, supporting the county’s ongoing mission to deliver high-quality care to all residents. For more resources and information on public health initiatives across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
