Northampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Northampton Veterans Administration Hospital Historic District
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Housing on the VA Hospital campus
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Northampton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 105 acres (42 ha) |
| Built | 1924 |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000994 |
| Added to NRHP | December 4, 2012 |
The Northampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a special hospital for military veterans. A veteran is a person who has served in a country's armed forces. The center is located in the Leeds area of Northampton, Massachusetts. It is run by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a government group that provides care and support for former soldiers.
The hospital first opened in 1924. It was built to help veterans with their mental and emotional health. Today, it offers many different kinds of medical services. The campus covers about 105 acres (42 ha) and has many historic buildings. Because of its important history and well-preserved buildings, the campus was named a historic district in 2012. This means the area is protected so its history can be remembered.
History of the Medical Center
When the hospital was built in the 1920s, it was the very first of its kind in Massachusetts. Its main goal was to provide care for veterans dealing with mental and emotional challenges, which were sometimes called "neuropsychiatric" issues.
The campus is a great example of an early VA hospital. Most of its buildings, including the main hospital, houses, and utility buildings, were built between 1922 and 1947. Because these buildings are still standing and well-kept, the entire area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are considered important to the nation's history.
Services for Veterans
The Northampton VA Medical Center provides important services for veterans in Western Massachusetts. It is a place where they can receive medical care and support for their well-being.
The center offers help for veterans dealing with stress from their time in the military, sometimes known as PTSD. It also provides support for making healthy life choices. For older veterans who need more constant care, the center has nursing home facilities. It works with other clinics in the area to make sure veterans can get the help they need.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hampshire County, Massachusetts
- List of Veterans Affairs medical facilities
