Spartanburg VA Clinic fully operational following damage caused by Hurricane Helene

The facility, located at 279 North Grove Medical Park Drive in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has resumed full operations, providing comprehensive health services to Veterans in the region.

“The reopening of the Spartanburg VA Clinic is a testament to the unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Veterans we serve,” said Oscar G. Rodriguez, Acting Columbia VA Medical Center Director/CEO. “Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, our team worked tirelessly to restore this facility while ensuring Veterans in the Upstate region continued to receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the clinic faced significant challenges due to extensive water damage that rendered the building unsafe for patient care. To maintain continuity of services, the Columbia VA Health Care System deployed mobile medical units, known as C-Forts, to the Spartanburg location. These units offered three exam rooms, a nurse’s station, and essential utilities, enabling the provision of limited but critical medical services during the restoration period.

“The C-Fort was instrumental in allowing us to continue clinical operations for a defined capacity while the clinic was being renovated,” said Dr. Roger Depra, Chief of the Spartanburg Community-Based Outpatient Care. “The majority of clinical care continued virtually via VA Video Connect visits or ‘VVCs.’ However, patient care that required face-to-face visits was able to continue due to the presence of the C-Fort.”

Throughout the recovery process, the clinic staff demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. They continued to offer virtual care for mental health and primary care services, coordinated lab work at alternative locations, and provided in-person treatments such as joint injections, battlefield acupuncture, and physical exams. The team’s dedication ensured that Veterans received uninterrupted care despite the temporary displacement.

Honoring the Dedicated Staff

A special recognition goes to the dedicated staff members who continued to operate and provide patient care despite the closure of the clinic. Braving the elements, these individuals set up operations in the Spartanburg CBOC parking lot to ensure that any Veteran in need of triage or urgent care was greeted and cared for. Their commitment exemplifies the VA’s mission of putting Veterans first:

• Dr. Jabran Hussain
• Dr. Nurul Islam 
• Dr. Raghu Boppana 
• Dr. Douglas Jones
• PA Rafael Regueiferos
• Grace Copeland, MSA
• Wanda Burney, MSA
• Shakeila Greene, MSA
• Moriah Murphy, MSA
• Patricia Thompson, MSA
• Shaquanna Wilburn, MSA
• Carol Billiris, RN
• Lora Balerno, RN
• Emily Matthews, RN 
• Holly McCall, RN 
• Nora Witten, RN
• Phyllis Fowler, LPN
• Michael Santiago, LPN
• Debra Robison, LPN
• Tamika Mathews, LPN
• Natalie Duerksen, LPN
• Jacqueline Davis, Nurse Manager
• Kent Smith- Security Officer
• Dr. Roger Depra
• Rich Boggan

“I’ve always looked up to primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, clinical pharmacists, advanced medical support assistants, dietitians, and mental health providers at the CBOCs as healthcare heroes,” said Dr. Depra. “This has never been more on display than it was during the Spartanburg CBOC closure when our staff continued clinical operations outdoors through fall, winter, rain, sleet, high winds, and snow.”

Depra added that Veterans can expect to receive timely, high-quality healthcare in a newly renovated Spartanburg VA CBOC from a dedicated staff that never stopped caring for Veterans.

“I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and grateful for the patience and support of our Veterans throughout this recovery process,” said Rodriguez. “Their resilience and adaptability allowed us to continue providing essential services, even in the face of adversity. Now that the clinic is fully operational again, we look forward to welcoming Veterans back and continuing to serve them with excellence.”

The successful reopening of the Spartanburg VA Clinic marks a significant milestone in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The facility is now fully operational, offering a range of in-person services including primary care, mental health care, and laboratory services. Veterans can schedule appointments by contacting the clinic directly at 864-582-7025.

The Columbia VA Health Care System extends its gratitude to the Veterans and the Spartanburg community for their patience and support during the restoration period. The commitment to providing exceptional care remains steadfast, and the team stands ready to continue to serve the healthcare needs of Veterans in the Upstate region.

For more information about services and updates, please visit the Columbia VA Health Care System’s website or follow us on social media platforms.

Note: This article is an update to the previous report on the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to the Spartanburg VA Clinic and the subsequent deployment of temporary medical units.