Chris Barnes

Senior Advisor, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Veteran Affairs | SFLA Native | Husband | Dad | @USArmy Disabled Vet | Grandfather

[Chris Barnes @DOD_Chris]

@CVS_Caremark There are not enough adjectives, well maybe unprofessional and dishonest thay explain trying to get a prescription refilled for the last 3 1/2 weeks only to now miss dosing due 100% to you!! Just Terrible!!!

[Chris Barnes @DOD_Chris]

Can't say enough about @Marriott!! I am a long term traveler staying at the Arlington Capitol View @ResidenceInn and recently experienced the death of my younger brother and these folks took the time and effort to sign and give me a card!! This is not the only example of the example they go to too make me feel like i am at home and family!!! Love you all!!

[Deputy Secretary Paul R Lawrence, Ph.D, VA @PaulRLawrence]

📍 Saginaw, MI | On site in Saginaw, Michigan. I’m touring all 4 of our VAMCs that are going live with our new EHR.

VA is delivering on our promise to provide world class service to our Veterans.

[Deputy Secretary Paul R Lawrence, Ph.D, VA @PaulRLawrence]

Headline: VA, Under Trump, Resumes EHR Rollout in Michigan

I want to share a few reflections I recently wrote about the work underway to deliver a modern, unified FederalEHR for our Veterans.

Three years ago, this effort was placed on hold, slowing progress on a capability that Veterans have long asked for: a single health record that connects care across military, civilian, and VA systems.

Over the past year, under President Trump and Secretary Collins’ leadership, we have restarted the effort and significant steps have been taken to move this project forward again.

We focused on fixing issues identified during early deployments, simplifying decision-making, strengthening local engagement, and expanding staffing to support sites across Michigan and thecountry.

Today, we are deploying the Federal EHR in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, and Saginaw marking one of the most significant milestones in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs history.

The results of our efforts are clear: system performance is strong; staff satisfaction continues to rise; and reliability is higher than ever before.

We are committed to delivering a modern, interoperable record system for every Veteran.

https://t.co/DU6HyorLd9

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Today marks a new chapter in Veteran healthcare as we restart VA’s EHR modernization effort. The goal is simple – replace outdated systems and provide Veterans with a single, accurate medical record that follows them for life. Our Veterans deserve a healthcare system that works as hard as they did for us.

[Chris Barnes @DOD_Chris]

Deeply honored to have been selected to this very critical position that will significantly improve how healthcare is delivered to our Veterans!
https://t.co/xh0pXpaJCm

[Chris Barnes @DOD_Chris]

Crappy service with @ouraring! Bought one for my wife on Jan 1st, but FSA wont cover it because their receipt says Dec 31st and they wont correct!! Terrible!!

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

For too long, bureaucracy was getting in the way of VA’s noble mission. We’re cutting through red tape to make @DeptVetAffairs benefits and services better, faster and more convenient for Veterans.

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Join me in VA’s Million Veteran Program! By participating, you’re contributing to groundbreaking research that could revolutionize health care treatments and save the lives of your fellow veterans. https://t.co/1jkHKgD3Az

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Veterans – If you haven’t yet engaged with @DeptVetAffairs, I encourage you to check out our many benefits and services: We offer everything from health care to disability compensation, education and training, home loans and more. Learn more here: https://t.co/lymvKxI2p1

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Here's how we’re looking to improve @DeptVetAffairs in 2026:

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

If you’re traveling, the @DeptVetAffairs Health Chat app enables enrolled Veterans to quickly connect with VA staff members. No need to travel to a VA facility. Just sign in to the app and start receiving services. https://t.co/Fuxks5bdfx

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Important message for the holiday season: If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in @DeptVetAffairs benefits or health care to call. Dial 988 then press 1.

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Proud of the work we’ve done under President Trump to transform @DeptVetAffairs from a bureaucratic organization to a service organization!

https://t.co/LYz6w2WeVH

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

Proud of the work @DeptVetAffairs is doing to ensure Veterans have access to the world-class health care and benefits they’ve earned. Thanks to @USATODAY for highlighting some of our achievements. https://t.co/b4ecBkUM5t

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

The Democrats’ government shutdown has real consequences for Veterans and @DeptVetAffairs workers. More than 30,000 VA employees are already going without pay, and the longer the shutdown lasts, the more it hurts our outreach, career counseling and even cemetery operations. Learn more here: https://t.co/OPXp0fZmln

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

60% of Veterans who die by suicide were not in recent @DeptVetAffairs care, and we must do a better job of reaching those who need help. That’s why we’ve overhauled VA’s suicide prevention office with new leadership and new ideas.

[VA Secretary Doug Collins @SecVetAffairs]

If Veterans are having to get help from someone else just to apply for @DeptVetAffairs benefits, that means our system is too complicated. Under President Trump, we’re making sure Veterans get what they’ve earned and working to ensure the process is fair, honest and fast.