SENATOR DECLAN O’SCANLON, ASSEMBLYWOMAN VICTORIA FLYNN, AND ASSEMBLYMAN GERRY SCHARFENBERGER ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AMIDST RESIDENTS’ ESCALATING HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN KEYPORT:
July 29, 2026, 3:44 pm | in
SENATOR DECLAN O’SCANLON, ASSEMBLYWOMAN VICTORIA FLYNN, AND ASSEMBLYMAN GERRY SCHARFENBERGER ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AMIDST RESIDENTS’ ESCALATING HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN KEYPORT:
July 29, 2026
“As concerns continue to grow regarding the reported “cancer cluster” in the Borough of Keyport, we want every resident to know that their health and well-being remain our highest priority. We understand that many families are seeking answers, and we recognize the uncertainty and anxiety these reports have created throughout our community.
Our offices are in regular communication with both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) as they continue their work. NJDEP is actively conducting environmental testing and reviewing the results as they become available. We remain committed to ensuring residents receive timely updates as verified information becomes available.
While this work continues, it is a good time to consider talking with a healthcare provider about your personal health history and any concerns you may have. Residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise concerned about the cost of preventive screenings should know that quality, affordable care is available locally.
Through the New Jersey Statewide Early Detection and Screening (NJSEED) Program, residents may qualify for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings at little to no cost. These services are available through the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center (VNACJ CHC) right here in Keyport, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent residents from receiving potentially lifesaving preventive care.
We strongly encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for NJSEED services, or who has questions about recommended cancer screenings, to contact the VNACJ Community Health Center in Keyport to learn more about available programs and schedule an appointment. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving health outcomes, and no one should delay seeking care because of cost or uncertainty.
As your representatives, we will continue working closely with local officials, NJDEP, NJDOH, and other appropriate state agencies throughout this process. We remain committed to advocating for transparency, supporting a thorough, science-based review of all available information, and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the resources they need. During times of uncertainty, we encourage residents to rely on credible information and take advantage of the preventive health services available right here in our community.”
VNACJ Community Health Center has indicated they stand ready to assist residents and added the following:
"We understand that concerns about a possible increase in cancer cases in the Keyport community are deeply personal and understandably unsettling. Our priority is the health and well-being of our residents. Because the best care is always individualized, we support efforts to gather and review the facts, and we encourage anyone with health concerns to speak with their healthcare provider. We are committed to providing access to high-quality preventive care, cancer education, screening guidance, and behavioral health services, while ensuring all residents have access to care, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay." -Sarina Brady, Chief Executive Officer for VNACJ Community Health Center