News Summary
Beaufort County is set to benefit from a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) following a $30.4 million investment aimed at improving healthcare access for local veterans. This facility will provide essential medical and mental health services for approximately 16,881 veterans in the area, while also creating job opportunities. The new clinic’s construction is expected to begin soon, replacing the current VA clinic and significantly expanding available services to better meet the needs of the local veteran population.
Beaufort County, SC – Beaufort County will soon benefit from a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), funded by a substantial investment of $30.4 million aimed at enhancing healthcare services for local veterans. The funding announcement was made on July 29, 2023, by Congresswoman Nancy Mace through the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The funding totals $30,464,000, and its primary purpose is to improve access to medical services and mental health counseling for approximately 16,881 veterans who reside in Beaufort County. Additionally, this initiative will also accommodate veterans from neighboring regions who currently travel to Charleston for necessary healthcare services.
Congresswoman Mace highlighted the critical importance of providing local, accessible care for veterans, emphasizing that they deserve timely support without the inconvenience of long travel distances. The new clinic will focus on bolstering access to primary care, mental health services, and crucial Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.
The establishment of the new clinic is expected to create numerous job opportunities in construction and healthcare, thus providing a favorable impact on the local economy. This project is part of a national effort to modernize and streamline VA services to ensure that veterans nationwide have better access to the care they require.
The Beaufort County CBOC is poised to either replace or expand the existing, smaller VA clinic currently situated inside the Beaufort Naval Hospital. Potential locations for the new facility include Port Royal and Beaufort, with plans indicating that the clinic will span between 48,000 to 70,000 square feet, feature two to three stories, and provide up to 500 parking spaces.
Construction of the new facility is projected to begin after a site is selected, with completion expected within two years. Upon finalization, the clinic is anticipated to bring approximately 100 new jobs to the area.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is evaluating three potential sites for the clinic’s construction: 708 Robert Smalls Parkway in Port Royal (28 acres), 301 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort (16 acres), and an 11-acre plot off Ribaut Road in Port Royal. The clinic will operate under a build-to-suit lease agreement with a private developer for a duration of 20 years.
In addition to the current funding, the VA is preparing to request an additional $24 million in its 2024 budget to further support this project. Currently, operating expenses at the Naval Hospital are approximately $432,774 annually, which will rise to $4.6 million at the new facility.
The new clinic is set to fulfill a critical need for ambulatory and mental health services, addressing expected increases in demand over the next 20 years. The existing clinic is considered inadequate to meet the needs of the growing veteran population. The new facility will significantly expand service capacity from 8,453 usable square feet to around 71,663 square feet.
Comprehensive services available at the new clinic will include primary care, mental health services, dental care, prosthetics, physical therapy, and pharmacy services. Local officials express hope that the introduction of this facility will significantly enhance healthcare access for veterans and contribute positively to the overall welfare of the community.
In summary, the development of the new CBOC in Beaufort County promises to provide essential healthcare resources for local veterans, addressing critical service demands while fostering economic growth through job creation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for Veterans in Beaufort County
Passing of Beaufort Veteran Neil Richard Theisen
Beaufort Honors Local Veterans: Hal Spicer, Nathaniel Robinson, and Kevin Egan
New Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Coming to Beaufort County
New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans Approved in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Veterans to Benefit from New Outpatient Clinic
New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans Coming to Beaufort County
Beaufort County Considers New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans
Beaufort Honors Gionna Gentry as Veteran of the Week
Beaufort to Honor Fallen Service Members This Memorial Day
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort County VA clinic
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Veterans Healthcare
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Affairs
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Beaufort County VA Clinic
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
