Published Date

Veteran Village

COLUMBIA, SC (SCDVA)- Starting July 1, 2024, phase one of the transfer of State Veteran Nursing Homes to the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) will be complete. In the last year, SCDVA has worked with the South 
Carolina Department of Mental Health which held responsibility for the homes prior to the transfer. The South Carolina Department of Administration provided oversight in the transfer process between both agencies.

In July of 2023, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation transferring the responsibility of the State Veteran Homes to SCDVA. The transfer is scheduled in two phases:

  • ​​​​​July 1, 2024- SCDVA will assume responsibility for all contractor-operated State Veteran Nursing Homes
    • Veterans' Victory House (Walterboro)
    • Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home (Anderson)
    • Veteran Village (Florence)
    • Palmetto Patriots Home (Gaffney)
  • July 1, 2025- SCDVA will assume responsibility for all non-contractor-operated State Veteran Homes.
    • Stone Veteran Pavilion (Columbia)-state-operated

Currently, construction is underway for a fifth contract-operated Veteran home to be named Patriot's Village in Sumter with a projected date of completion in mid to late-October. Contruction is also pending for contractor-operated Veteran Homes in Horry, Orangeburg, and Lexington Counties.

Secretary Todd B. McCaffreySecretary Todd B. McCaffrey of the South Carolina Veterans' Affairs issued a letter to families of residents in Veteran homes in May of 2024 informing them of the transfer. The letter states in part, "We are committed to ensuring our Veterans receive the highest quality long-term care. As a Veteran whose father, also a Veteran, now resided in long-term care, I am well aware of both your honorable service to the nation and the unique challenges you and your families face. While the transfer of authority from the Department of Mental Health requires a great deal of coordination between both departments and the on-site care providers, almost all of this will be transparent to you."

Internally, the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) is expected to grow by more than two dozen employees with numerous positions scheduled for hiring, with nearly a dozen of those staff transferring from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, bringing specialized skills associated with Veteran homes.

Heyward HilliardIn April 2024, SCDVA welcomed Heyward Hilliard as the first division Director of Veteran Homes. Hilliard has served the long-term care needs of South Carolinians for more than 30 years, with 22 years of service to our Veterans and their families.

"I am excited to join the dedicated team at the S.C. Department of Veterans' Affairs as we work to better serve the health care needs of Veterans in our state," said Hilliard. "South Carolia is blessed to have the support of this agency, its leaders, and the incredible leaders in our legislature that recognize our duty to those who have served. It is an honor to join this mission."

Additional positions for hire within SCDVA will be posted on the SC Careers website. Families with questions about the transfer of State Veteran Homes can contact the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs at (803) 734-0200. For additional information on admissions to state Veterans Homes click here.