HOYLOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is making a stop in western Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon to tour the current Veterans Home at Holyoke.

A new facility is being built after an outbreak of COVID-19 during 2020, during which at least 76 veterans died. That chain of events eventually leading to pushback, anger, and even lawsuits.

The Veterans’ Home’s Superintendent, Michael Lazo, who was hired for the role in 2022, admitted the pandemic brought attention to the building and that it did not get the attention it needed for several years.

Since 2023, construction has been underway on the new Holyoke Veterans Home. The $405 million facility is being built right next to the current building. It’s expected to receive its certificate of occupancy in September, two months earlier than planned.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.