The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially inaugurated its newest clinic in South Tampa, Florida. The Sabal Park Clinic is equipped to provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health, social work, and dietetics. It is designed to cater to the needs of up to 3,600 Veterans.

In the future, the clinic plans to expand its offerings to include laboratory services, pharmacy consultations, nutritional support, and social work assistance. The facility aims to serve eligible Veterans in metro Tampa and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County.

This initiative forms part of VA's ongoing efforts to enhance access for Veterans and attract new beneficiaries. VA has established itself as a trusted provider of affordable healthcare for Veterans in America. Over the past year alone, more than 400,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA care — a 30% increase year over year — including more than 32,000 Veterans in Florida. Furthermore, over 91% of Veterans report trusting VA with their care.

"As the Veteran population continues to increase in the Tampa Bay area, it’s imperative that we continue to connect Veterans to the best health care — as close to home as possible," said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D., during his remarks at the clinic opening.

David Dunning MPA, Executive Director of VA Tampa health care and Medical Center Director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics added: "More Veterans are coming to us for their care... This new clinic expands health care options for Tampa Veterans."

The Sabal Park Clinic began serving Veteran patients in February and shares its premises with Department of Defense clinics.

The VA Tampa Veterans Health Care System serves over 120,000 Veterans across five central counties from its base in Tampa. With approximately 6,200 employees and 350 volunteers on board, it operates 499 beds and recorded 10,203 total admissions and 1.7 million outpatient visits in 2023.

For more information on VA health care for Veterans in Tampa Bay, visit VA Tampa Health Care System.