COLUMBIA, SC (SCDVA & WCFIBER) - Veterans in Abbeville and Greenwood counties can now see their doctors without having to leave town. Industry and community representatives, together with Veterans Affairs officials, cut the ribbon in May 2022 on the Abbeville and Greenwood Telemedicine Centers, marking another step forward in improving healthcare access to South Carolina’s Veterans.

The Abbeville County Library System and the Greenwood County Veterans Center now include private rooms featuring comfortable furniture, computers, webcams, high-speed fiber internet and most importantly, a connection to Veterans Affairs medical teams across South Carolina. A joint project between WCFIBER, the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA), the Greenwood County Veterans Center, the Foundation for Rural Service and the Abbeville County Library system, the Telemedicine Centers are free of use and available to all veterans receiving medical benefits.

“Today, our Veterans often have to travel great lengths to receive medical care,” said WCFIBER CEO Jeff Wilson. “Oftentimes check-ins can be accomplished virtually. Abbeville and Greenwood now have a welcoming room where veterans of all ages can come in and connect with their health care team. I know there are many other opportunities to build on this momentum, and I challenge everyone here to think critically on what more we can do for those who have sacrificed so much for us.”

WCFIBER Board Chairman Wes McAllister officially cut the ribbon at both ceremonies and discussed the importance of community leadership and veteran support. “As the area’s broadband provider, we’re not just here to serve broadband and services,” McAllister said. “We’re here to help our communities be vibrant, innovative and sustainable."

McAllister continued, “We are blessed to have so many veterans in our area. We would not be here without our veterans. These centers are about them. They fought for us so we can enjoy our day-to-day freedoms. We owe it to them to give back and take care of them.”

The Telemedicine Centers will serve Greenwood County’s 4,600+ veterans and Abbeville County’s 1,600+ veterans, saving them travel time and expenses, while providing more immediate direct care.

If you are a Veteran interested in making an appointment contact Shannon Johnson at 803-776-4000 EXT 51982 or Shannon.johnson7@va.gov.