News Summary
A new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Beaufort County has received $30.4 million in funding to enhance medical services for nearly 17,000 veterans. This project will replace the existing clinic, providing expanded access to primary care, mental health services, and more. With construction expected to create approximately 100 jobs and improve healthcare access for local veterans, the initiative represents a significant investment in veteran services and the local economy.
Beaufort County Veterans to Benefit from $30.4 Million Funding for New Outpatient Clinic
Beaufort, South Carolina — A significant funding initiative has been approved that will greatly benefit veterans in Beaufort County. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has authorized $30.4 million for the construction of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, which aims to enhance medical services for approximately 16,881 veterans residing in the area.
The new clinic seeks to replace the existing, smaller facility located at Beaufort’s Naval Hospital. Currently, the existing VA clinic operates in a space of only 8,453 net usable square feet, presenting challenges in providing adequate healthcare services. The proposed new facility is projected to feature between 48,000 to 70,000 square feet and will better accommodate the needs of veterans with expanded services.
Officials anticipate that the new outpatient clinic will improve access to primary care, mental health services, dental care, pharmacy, eye services, and physical therapy. Additionally, it is expected to create around 100 new jobs within both the construction and healthcare sectors, providing a boost to the local economy in the Lowcountry.
Currently, the annual operating lease for the VA clinic at the Naval Hospital costs $432,774, but the new facility is projected to carry an operating cost of approximately $4.6 million. This transformation is part of a larger national initiative to modernize and decentralize VA services to make them more accessible for veterans across the country.
Three potential locations have been identified for the new clinic: two sites in Port Royal and one in Beaufort. The project is expected to undergo procurement by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with plans to award the lease by the end of September. The construction is estimated to cost around $24 million and will feature a design of 2 to 3 stories along with approximately 500 parking spaces.
The existing clinic has limitations in services, often forcing veterans to travel long distances for care. The new facility aims to provide a comprehensive care approach, addressing the various health needs that veterans may encounter.
Local officials are optimistic about community support for the clinic and believe it will greatly improve healthcare access for veterans in Beaufort County, which consists of a significant veteran population of around 11%, significantly higher than the state average of 8.1%.
This step forward underscores a commitment to those who have served in the military, reflecting the sentiment that veterans deserve accessible and quality healthcare services. It marks a critical advancement in ensuring that the local veteran community receives the dedicated support that aligns with their sacrifices and needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans Coming to Beaufort County
Beaufort County Considers New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Veterans Health Administration
- WJCL
- Google Search: Beaufort County VA clinic
- WTOC
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Veterans clinic
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Beaufort County Veterans
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.
