Communications and Outreach
The mission of the Communications & Outreach Team is to empower, inspire, connect, and inform Veterans, employees, caregivers, stakeholders, and influencers. We develop, direct, and resource internal and external communications on behalf of VA New Jersey Healthcare System.
Media and press
The Office of Public Affairs can assist local media with queries, interview requests, and expert information about the VA New Jersey Healthcare System.
Contact us at VANJHCSCommsTeam@va.gov
Christine Betros Farrell LCSW
Chief Communications Officer
VA New Jersey health care
Phone: 908-647-0180 ext. 21-4050
Email: VANJHCSCommsTeam@va.gov
Xiomara Orengo-Johnson
Public Affairs Specialist, Minority Veteran Program Coordinator
VA New Jersey health care
Phone: 973-979-7733
Email: xiomara.johnson61@va.gov
Scott Dadaian
Community Outreach Specialist
VA New Jersey health care
Phone: 201-587-5990
Email: scott.dadaian@va.gov
Jonathan Gonzalez
Visual Information Specialist
VA New Jersey health care
Email: jonathan.gonzalez1@va.gov
Scott Snell
Medical Media Photographer
VA New Jersey health care
Community Outreach
Our Community Outreach program fulfills the VA Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (ICARE) by providing timely, high-quality communications products and meaningful, veteran-focused community outreach to the public.
We provide direct lines of communication from VANJHCS to:
- Local, county, state, and federal government offices
- Veterans service organizations
- Adjacent community health systems and offices
- Non-profits organizations, religious organizations, and other civic groups
- Colleges and universities
- Law enforcement and first responder agencies
- Other entities as requested
To schedule an community outreach event, please contact VANJHCSCommsTeam@va.gov with the following information.
- Suggested date and time of event
- Virtual or in-person
- Approximate size of audience
- Veterans (and/or Caregivers) or providers
- Interested topics to be covered
Homeless Outreach
Please contact Homeless Veteran Outreach Coordinator, Chad Costello, to inquire about outreach services:
Phone: 908-647-1080 ext. 21-4815
E-mail: Chad.Costello@va.gov
Suicide Prevention Outreach
Please contact Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Tanya Kero, to inquire about outreach services:
Phone: 908-346-1319
E-mail: Tanya.Kero@va.gov
Veterans Justice Outreach
Please contact Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator, Mark Correale, to inquire about outreach services to prisons, jails and the criminal justice system :
Phone: 908-647-0180 ext. 21-5126
E-mail: Mark.Correale1@va.gov
Ericka Jackson
Veterans Justice Outreach and Health Care for Re-entry Veterans Coordinator
Phone: 973-676–1000 ext. 20-2383
Email:Ericka.Jackson2@va.gov
War Related Injury and Illness Center (WRIISC)
Please contact WRIISC Director, Dr. Helena K. Chandler to inquire about outreach services:
Phone: 973-676-1000 ext. 20-2500 or 800-248-8005
E-mail: vhaeaswriiscnj@va.gov
Post 9/11 Military2VA (M2VA)
Please contact Military2VA Program Manager, Alba Lopez, to inquire about outreach services:
Phone: 973-676-1000 ext. 1726
E-mail: Alba.Lopez@va.gov