By: Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
Veterans, and community members gathered on August 20th at a ribbon cutting event in Garner where the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System officially opened its newest and largest outpatient facility—the Garner VA Clinic, a state-of-the-art center located on Benson Road.
The new facility is set to serve more than 30,000 veterans across 27 counties in Central and Eastern North Carolina, including Wake County—home to one of the state's highest veteran populations—and Johnston County, one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.
Ground was broken on the project in March 2023, and just over two years later, the facility is preparing to welcome its first patients on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
“This facility here is over 240,000 square feet,” said Anthony Avery, Wake County Outpatient Clinic Administrator for the Durham VA Health Care System. “It will have various clinics here—about 23 different types of services. In our area, we already have smaller clinics, and their capacities are pretty full.”
Currently, the Durham VA Health Care System maintains a 70% penetration rate, meaning that 30% of eligible veterans are not yet enrolled in VA services. Officials hope this new facility will significantly reduce barriers to care.
The Garner VA Clinic will initially offer Primary Care, Mental Health services, and limited outpatient lab services, with plans for expanded services as the facility becomes fully operational. For enrolled veterans, eligibility to receive care at the new clinic is automatic. Additionally, VA transportation services may be available based on individual eligibility criteria.
The event drew a notable roster of attendees from government and military affairs, including Congressman Brad Knott NC-13, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, NC-2, Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, and Mayor of Garner Buddy Gupton.
North Carolina is home to over 600,000 veterans, a number that continues to grow—especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. Wake County, already the fastest-growing county in the Durham VA’s service area, underscores the urgency for expanded care infrastructure.
