New Sumter Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The ceremony, held at the new 26,000-square-foot facility, was attended by local government representatives, VAHCS leadership, Veterans, and community members. The new clinic, which began serving patients in November 2023, has already provided care to over 5,000 Veterans. 

When asked about the ribbon cutting, Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and County Councilman Eugene Baten said, “I am so pleased. I have been here for many years, and I have been using the clinic and I have always said that Sumter deserves a better clinic because we have a lot of Veterans here. We have about 16,000 Veterans in Sumter and when you talk about their families and so forth, 13.2 percent of our residents are Veterans so to have this facility to give them the service that they deserve I think is great.” 

The Sumter CBOC offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, women's health, mental health and counseling, and lab spaces. The expanded facility aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for Veterans in the Sumter area. 

Brandi Stockstill, Director of Policy and Programs with the Office of Real Property Office of Construction Facilities Manager for VA said, “On Sept. 26, 2019, our office awarded this lease. Today we are celebrating the opening of this picturesque, state-of-the-art Outpatient Clinic that is closer to the Veteran population, triple in size from the previous clinic to meet this area’s projected workload, has substantial parking, and meets the Government’s most recent environmental and sustainability requirements of Two Green Globes.” 

Acting Director/CEO of the Columbia VAHCS, Oscar G. Rodriguez, commented on the significance of the new clinic, stating, “The opening of the new Sumter CBOC marks a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide the most comprehensive, and high-quality healthcare to our Veterans. This facility is designed to meet the continuous evolving needs of those heroes who served our nation.” 

Assistant Director Ronnie Mack added, “We are excited to officially recognize the opening of this state-of-the-art clinic. The range of services offered here ensures that our Veterans receive the best care close to home. Our team is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our Veteran community.” 

The ceremony featured a tour of the new facility, allowing attendees to see firsthand the capabilities and services available. The clinic’s advanced medical technology and modern infrastructure are expected to significantly improve patient care and streamline healthcare delivery. 

Army Veteran Dale Adkins said he’s been going to the Sumter CBOC for seven years. “It’s fantastic! The staff here is incredible. If you’re going for medical treatments, the medical staff go above and beyond of what is expected,” he added. 

The Sumter CBOC is part of the Columbia VA Health Care System’s broader initiative to expand and enhance healthcare services for Veterans across South Carolina. The new clinic is strategically located to serve the growing Veteran population in the region, providing convenient access to essential healthcare services. 

For comprehensive information on the services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, including clinic locations and more, visit https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (keyword: VAColumbiaSC) to stay up on the latest at the Columbia VAHCS.