Carl Vinson VA Medical Center is working on a plan to expand health care services as Georgia starts reopening after COVID-19 shutdowns. The facility will begin expanding some services June 15 including Primary care, mental health and specialty care. 

“The safety of Veterans and staff is the highest priority when we consider how we provide health care services and procedures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said David L. Whitmer, medical center director. “VA will consider guidance from various agencies including federal, state and local government as we gradually expand health care services. As high reliability organization, safety is always paramount and will continue to guide our decision making.”

Whitmer is scheduled to hold a Facebook Live Townhall Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m. If you would like to watch, their Facebook is located at https://www.facebook.com/VADublin/

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has developed a risk-based framework to prioritize non-urgent procedures, in addition to the urgent procedures currently being performed. Evaluation of factors such as patient health, staff safety and resource considerations will guide expansion and scheduling decisions. Rigorous safety measure including employee and Veteran COVID-19 screening, physical distancing and appropriate protective attire such as face coverings and frequent disinfection of high-touch services will remain in place at all VHA facilities.

Dublin VA will continue to maximize personalized virtual care options like telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks, as we know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time. As additional facilities expand services across the country, Dublin VA will share best practices learned with all facilities across the country.

Veterans should contact their provider for information about the expansion of services. For more information, contact Scott Whittington at (478) 274-5440 or via email at [email protected].