Aug 03, 2026
VFW commends the VA for resuming the deployment of its Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, which went live across multiple VA medical centers in Michigan on April 11.
The federal EHR system is now operating at VA facilities in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit and Saginaw, marking a critical step forward in modernizing veterans’ health care delivery.
“The VFW has long supported the modernization of VA’s health record systems because veterans deserve a seamless health care experience,” then-VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore said. “This rollout represents meaningful progress toward that goal, and we are encouraged to see VA taking a deliberate, improved approach after addressing earlier challenges.”
The Federal EHR system aims to create a unified, interoperable record between the DOD, VA and private-sector providers. Developed in partnership with Oracle Health, EHR is expected to reduce redundant testing, improve care coordination and allow clinicians to spend more time with patients rather than navigating outdated systems, according to the VA.
The VFW consistently advocates for deploying a modern electronic health record system to ensure continuity of care for service members transitioning to veteran status and throughout their lives.
Although VFW previously raised concerns about early implementation issues, the organization remains convinced that a properly executed system is essential for delivering 21st-century care.
VA’s past outreach efforts to veterans in affected communities were less than successful. This stifled rollout efforts, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect from the transition or how the initiative would benefit them in the long term.
Responsible for the rollout this time around, VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence took this concern seriously and personally oversaw the outreach efforts leading up to the recent rollout.
Members of the VFW Department of Michigan were among those who stepped forward to support the outreach efforts, hosting multiple events at VFW Posts in the state in the months leading up to the early-April rollout. It was there that Lawrence and Oracle Health met directly with Michigan’s veterans to discuss and hear feedback.
“Our role is to be the voice of the veteran,” VFW Department of Michigan Commander Reinold Yahnka said. “The VFW Department of Michigan is proud to stand alongside VA and its partners to make sure this rollout works for those it is intended to serve. That means educating veterans, identifying issues early and ensuring accountability every step of the way.”
The EHR deployment in Michigan is the first of 13 federally planned implementations in 2026, part of an accelerated schedule to bring a single, unified health record system to VA facilities nationwide.
Whitmore said the VFW looks forward to playing a consistent role in VA and Oracle’s proactive outreach to ensure a smooth transition to best serve veterans.
This Washington Wire article is featured in the 2026 July/August issue of VFW magazine.