COVINGTON, Ga. — It’s time to spread the word.

The Covington VA Clinic opened its doors on Eagle Drive in late February 2020. Unfortunately, due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic immobilizing in-person care and forcing the clinic to provide much of its care virtually, the establishment is still largely unknown to veterans in the community. 

With vaccines now widely distributed and the clinic doors fully reopened, Darkita McColumn, RN, and her staff are hoping to get the word out that they’re here and ready to provide health care to former military members in the area.

“We are seeing a lot of our veterans in the Newton County community, but a lot of veterans still just don’t know that we’re here,” McColumn said. “They’re riding for several miles to get to the main facility [in Atlanta.] It helps to have this clinic here so they can have immediate services.”

Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Atlanta VA Health Care System exists to provide health care services to veterans in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Covington’s location — plotted at 10155 Eagle Drive, down the street from Eastside High School — is Newton County’s branch of the system.

Among services the Covington VA Clinic provide to veterans in the area are primary care, mental health integration and Telehealth. They also offer phlebotomy services, a procedure in which needles are used to draw blood or introduce fluids.

“I was so excited for this to open because I was going to the VA Clinic in Stockbridge,” said Covington City Councilman Don Floyd. “I was really excited about this location opening because of the convenience and the great care they provide.”

The building currently houses three primary care providers, but McColumn stated that they hope to ultimately expand to five providers.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those interested in enrolling at the Covington VA Clinic are encouraged to call 404-321-6111 and dial extension No. 202222. However, prospective enrollees may also sign up in person at the clinic. 

More information about Covington’s clinic, as well as other members of the Atlanta VA Health Care System throughout Atlanta, can be found online at atlanta.va.gov.