The Burlington County Commissioners marked the completion of a $3 million renovation to the Raphael Meadow Health Department Building in Westampton on Monday. The event coincided with the building’s 50th anniversary and highlighted upgrades intended to strengthen public health services and emergency preparedness in Burlington County.
Named after Raphael Meadow, the county’s first health officer, the 25,267-square-foot facility houses administrative offices for the Health Department. It supports programs such as community nursing, disease control, environmental health, WIC (Women Infants and Children), public health preparedness, and education. Around 92 of the department’s 136 staff members work from this site, which also provides clinical services including immunizations and vaccine clinics.
“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. “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.”
Renovations expanded clinical space at the front of the building for easier access. The number of exam rooms increased from two to five; additional features include a vaccine room, specialized testing areas for HIV/STD services, meeting spaces, new restrooms, flooring improvements and LED lighting. These changes enable the facility to operate as a mass vaccination site during emergencies.
Construction was handled internally by Burlington County’s Department of Public Works Construction Services Division using union trade workers instead of outside contractors—a practice that reportedly reduces costs by 10% to 15%. Funding came from federal grants provided through New Jersey state agencies.
Among those attending were Congressman Herb Conaway—who led the department from 2019-2024—and other past leaders such as Eve Cullinan (county administrator since her tenure as director ended in 2015), Robert Gogats and 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.”
State Assemblywoman Carol Murphy attended alongside 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 Katz linked improvements at the facility with lessons learned during COVID-19: “COVID made us realize we needed to think more about community health and invest in it,” she said. “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.”
At Monday’s ceremony officials also introduced a newly acquired Mobile Health van funded by public health grants. The van will deliver screenings, outreach activities, immunizations and testing directly into communities.
Burlington County Health Department Director Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella stated: “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.”
Burlington County covers an area of 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county operates under a Board of County Commissioners composed of five at-large members; Eve Cullinan currently serves as county administrator (source). There are three cities among its forty political subdivisions (source).
