Press Releases

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center received $2.8 million in federal funds through recent COVID-19 aid packages.

The center has been awarded $2,080,000 million through the Veterans Affairs Department State Home Construction Grant Program and the funds will go towards renovations and general repairs to include replacing the roof, mechanical louvers, exterior lighting and fencing. Another award of $760,062.60 from the December 2020 government funding and coronavirus relief package will be used to procure personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators, surgical masks, isolation gowns, face shields, and surgical gloves. Additionally, the funds will be used to purchase specialty disinfecting equipment, equipment, and supplies for the fit testing of respirators, temperature monitoring, and screening equipment, and other items to promote safe operations during and after the pandemic.

“The Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center has always been dedicated to providing excellent care for our veterans, including throughout this pandemic,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Investing in the modernization of our veterans’ nursing homes, while providing them with the resources to safely tend to their residents helps ensure veterans continue to get the high-quality care they deserve. This funding will help the center complete updates to make the facility safer and better equipped to assist them into the future.”

“The residents at the Gino j. Merli Veterans’ Center served our nation and protected our freedom with pride and unwavering conviction. It is important that we return the favor by making their living experience safe and healthy,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and acting head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The welcomed coronavirus relief monies will greatly enhance our efforts to upgrade our veterans’ home. Modernizing the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center will help improve the quality of life for our veterans and staff. They will also assure that this facility is well-staffed and amply supplied so we can seamlessly care for the residents throughout the pandemic and beyond. We are grateful for Representative Cartwright’s support and all others who worked together to advocate for our veterans.”