Press Release  Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Santiago Celebrate Historic Investments for Veterans in Western Massachusetts

Holyoke — Today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, and other legislative leaders gathered at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke to celebrate historic investments for veterans services across Western Massachusetts. These milestones include increased engagement efforts by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and major victories for the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke (MVH), such as securing licensure through the Department of Public Health (DPH), the implementation of a new electronic medical records (EMR) system and securing the largest budget increase in the Home’s history.

The turnaround at MVH began in the wake of the devastating COVID-19 crisis, which underscored the need for reform and increased investment in veteran care. Governor Healey’s administration responded by creating EOVS, appointing Dr. Jon Santiago as Secretary, and securing $263.5 million in federal funding to build a new state-of-the-art veterans home building.

“Our administration is deeply committed to supporting our veterans and their families and making sure they have the services and resources they deserve,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m so proud of the work that Secretary Santiago and his team are doing to revitalize veterans' services across our state – from the HERO Act to the new Veterans Homes and beyond – and glad that they have the opportunity to celebrate that progress and thank our hardworking employees in Holyoke today.”

“Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best care we can provide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The investments we’re making today will benefit veterans for years to come, ensuring that the Holyoke Veterans Home remains a cornerstone of care and support in Western Massachusetts.”

“This historic investment underscores our dedication to supporting veterans in every corner of the Commonwealth,” added Secretary Jon Santiago. “From licensure to the new EMR system to staffing improvements, we are proud of the strides being made at the Holyoke Veterans Home and across Western Massachusetts.”

“We have had a tremendous year for the Home—I am incredibly proud of our team’s achievements including receiving full accreditation from the VA, DPH licensure, and successfully implementing electronic medical record,” said Executive Director, Michael Lazo. “These significant milestones are evidence of the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our team.

Turnaround at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke

As part of the transformation, the Veterans Home at Holyoke has successfully achieved licensure as a certified nursing home from DPH. This licensure will ensure regular DPH surveys to monitor the quality of care and safety at the facility. DPH has actively partnered with the Home throughout the process, providing consultative visits and expert advice. Their ongoing support, including through their Infectious Disease and Control Division, will help uphold the highest standards of care.

Additionally, the Home has launched a new EMR system as of September 9th. The system improves clinical decision-making, streamlines access to records, and boosts overall efficiency in delivering care to residents.

Historic Budget Investments

The FY25 budget allocates $87.4 million for the state’s two veterans homes, with $34.3 million designated for the Holyoke facility. This unprecedented investment, a 14.4 percent increase over FY24, represents the largest budget allocation in the Home’s history and ensures the long-term sustainability of quality care for veterans.

The budget also supports the ongoing construction of the new Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke. Launched in August 2023 and ahead of schedule, the project is slated for completion in late 2026. The new facility will feature 234 long-term care beds, a 30-bed memory care unit, and an Adult Day Health Program, providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for veterans.

In March 2023, Secretary Santiago announced the completion of key steps to secure $263.5 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) State Home Construction Grant Program. With $164 million awarded this fiscal year, the project is well underway and promises a brighter future for veterans in Western Massachusetts.

About the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke offers long-term care, rehabilitation services, and supportive programs for veterans, helping them live with dignity and receive the care they deserve. The Home continues to innovate with the latest investments and improvements to ensure that Massachusetts veterans receive the best possible care.

For more information, visit mass.gov/vets. 

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