History

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

VA Connecticut Healthcare was officially formed in 1995 with the integration of the VA medical centers in West Haven and Newington.  The West Haven campus is located in a shoreline community in an urban setting while the Newington campus is centrally located near Hartford in a suburban setting.  The campuses areapproximately 40 miles apart. 

The history of the West Haven campus dates back to 1919 when it was dedicated as a new tuberculosis hospital.  The government purchased the property in 1948 enabling construction of a new hospital for veterans.  The West Haven campus was dedicated on September 13, 1953.

The present site of the Newington campus was selected in January 1929.  Construction of the $1 million, 250-bed hospital began on February 18, 1930.  The hospital opened its doors on May 14, 1931, admitting its first patient, Michael J. Grieco who enlisted in 1917 and served as an Army private in France.  A formal dedication ceremony for the Newington campus was held  July 12, 1931.