Orlando VA Healthcare System

11/29/2025

In the fourth episode of VA’s “Glad You Asked” series on Electronic Health Record Modernization, Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., shares how the Federal EHR deployment is gaining momentum with a renewed, focused approach.

With a goal to complete implementation across all VA sites by 2031, the plan emphasizes standardization, lessons learned, and continuous feedback from site visits and leadership teams.

Watch the full episode to learn more!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drpaullawrence_when-i-talk-about-vas-efforts-to-modernize-activity-7384936284953341952-nJaF/

11/28/2025

11/27/2025

As we move into Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for everyone who joined us for the Intertribal Welcome Home Veterans Ceremony at the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic. Thank you to our Native Veterans, Native VA staff, and all who helped lead this powerful tradition of honoring Warriors. In Native culture, welcoming Veterans home is an act of deep respect, healing, and gratitude. All values that resonate strongly during this season of giving thanks.

11/26/2025

A huge THANK YOU to the talented students of the Orlando Music Club for spending their day sharing music with our Veterans at the Orlando VA Medical Center and our Community Living Center (CLC).

Your performances brought joy, comfort, and connection to so many today. The Veterans loved it and you could feel the smiles, the nostalgia, and the appreciation from all those who attended.

We are grateful for your kindness, your time, and the heart you put into honoring those who served. Thank you for making this a truly special day.

11/23/2025

In the third episode of a four-part series of “Glad You Asked”, Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., explains why VA is transitioning from its long-standing electronic health record system, VistA, to the new Federal EHR.

The Federal EHR offers a unified, interoperable platform that improves care coordination and supports better clinical decision-making. This modernization effort is part of VA’s commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient care to Veterans—ensuring they receive the benefits and services they’ve earned through a more advanced and connected health care system.

Watch the full episode to learn more!
https://ow.ly/BUon50XsSzQ

11/19/2025

Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul Lawrence, Ph.D., recently joined the TV show/podcast Fed Gov Today with host Francis Rose to discuss VA’s progress on delivering care and benefits more effectively for Veterans through the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program.

In Part 2, Deputy Secretary Lawrence discussed how he has visited a few VA medical centers and has heard excitement from employees regarding the changes that will come with the Federal EHR.
Deputy Secretary Lawrence also addressed some of the concerns from Veterans and staff regarding the Federal EHR deployment, including the speed of service delivery, the ease of accessing information, and technological challenges from Veterans that may be older in age.

Learn more from the full episode!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drpaullawrence_in-part-two-of-my-interview-with-francis-activity-7371618475284262913-_K70/

11/17/2025

Ready to take control back from to***co and commercial ni****ne products? Whether you're looking to quit or cut down, VA is here to help you find your freedom from to***co. VA has treatment options available ranging from medications to manage cravings to individual and group treatment aimed at changing habits linked to to***co use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCUcbKzINlU

11/17/2025

Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul Lawrence, Ph.D., recently joined the TV show/podcast Fed Gov Today with host Francis Rose to discuss VA’s progress on delivering care and benefits more effectively for Veterans through the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program.

In Part 1, Deputy Secretary Lawrence emphasized that the EHRM program is not just about new technology, it’s also a transformative effort focused on enhancing the Veteran experience.

Deputy Secretary Lawrence also shared that Veterans reported a better health care experience with the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR), and providers value reduced data entry and more time with patients.

Hear more by watching the full video!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drpaullawrence_veteran-activity-7371256101423443970-gp1V/

11/17/2025

Enhancing VA Workflows with the Federal EHR: Transforming Medication Administration
The Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) is significantly improving how VA nurses administer medications by streamlining a once time-consuming process.

Previously, nurses had to navigate between two separate systems requiring over 15 clicks to complete a single medication task. Now, with the Federal EHR, the same task takes just two clicks within one integrated system. This change not only saves time but also enhances patient safety and clinical efficiency.

Hear more from Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence:
https://ow.ly/fR2I50XsQqB

11/14/2025

The Great American Smokeout (GASO) returns on November 20, a day dedicated to promoting education, treatment, and resources that help Veterans take charge of their health by reducing or quitting to***co use.

For Air Force Veteran John Schultz, that same message hit home earlier this year when a conversation with his doctor changed the course of his life. During what began as a routine cardiology visit, Schultz’s physician explained that smoking was putting dangerous strain on his heart. The words were direct and undeniable.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/kfIS50XrXfp

11/14/2025

Recently, the Orlando VA Health Care System was honored to join Carnival Cruise Line aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras for a very special moment.

Carnival generously donated $55,000 to support our Comprehensive Drivers Rehabilitation Program, helping Veterans regain independence, mobility, and confidence on the road.

Our Whole Health Clinical Director, Ashley Rush, spoke about how this contribution will directly impact the lives of Veterans across our system, providing life-changing support and expanding access to essential rehabilitation services.

A heartfelt thank you to Carnival Cruise Line for its commitment to those who served. Partnerships like this make a real difference.

11/13/2025

Say goodbye to to***co and hello to almost instantaneous health benefits. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate drops, and within days, you may notice improvements in your sense of taste and smell, as well as in your breathing. Create new smoke-free routines with VA’s support!

https://veterans.smokefree.gov/