Veterans who visit the Perry Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will soon see an improvement to service as 78th Medical Group at the Robins Air Force Base opens its clinic doors to share healthcare space with the Veterans Administration. 

Houston County, south of Macon and home to more than 1,300 airman and family members, is the one of the most Veteran populated counties in the 49-county catchment area for the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center (CVVAMC).  The area also represents the fastest growing and the current Perry CBOC is struggling to meet the demand.  A new 40,000 square foot clinic planned for the Warner Robins / Perry area but it will not be operational for at least three years. 

To address this gap in the interim, Air Force Col. Maureen Farrell, commander of the 78th Medical Group, agreed to allow Carl Vinson VA to use some of its clinical space (around 3,300 square feet) – enough for two patient aligned care teams (PACT) for primary care and some mental health services.  This will allow the VA to serve around 2,200 more Veterans.  The new space will receive Veterans later this spring.

“We provide health care to more than 47,000 military and civilian personnel and we are committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service, and always delivering world-class health care,” said Farrell. “This collaboration with the VA is consistent with our mission.”

“We are proud to partner with the Air Force and the 78th Medical Group, just as we currently do with the Marine Logistics Base in Albany and Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta.  Relationships like this help us deliver the absolute best healthcare we can to our Veterans and at a better value to taxpayers,” said David L. Whitmer, CVVAMC Director. “This will improve access and expand our abilities to better serve our Veterans in middle Georgia.”

As of January 1st, Veterans with a VA Veterans Health Information Card (VHIC) allows for easier access to the base facilities, including the medical wing, commissaries and morale, welfare and recreation facilities.  Anyone with questions about access can contact the 78th Security Forces Pass and Registration Office by calling (478) 222-1998.

A veteran town hall hosted by CVVAMC is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at the VECTR (Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center) located at 1001 S. Armed Forces Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31088.