American Red Cross help Walter Reed Staff ‘reset’ following MHS GENESIS Go-Live

Photo By Vernishia Vaughn | Walter Reed staff enjoy coffee and refreshments provided by American Red Cross volunteers during the MHS GENESIS Go-Live Support event. On Mar. 25, WRNMMC transitioned to MHS GENESIS, the DOD's new electronic health record (EHR) system. The EHR is being implemented across the Military Health System, replacing the TRICARE Online Patient Portal, providing beneficiaries with direct access to their medical records and the ability to communicate with their health care provider from anywhere at any time.  

BETHESDA, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

03.31.2023

Story by Leigh Culbert Steward 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vernishia R. Vaughn
301-295-5727
[e-mail]


BETHESDA, Md. (March 31, 2023) – Following the implementation of MHS GENESIS, the Department of Defense’s new electronic health record, the American Red Cross provided much-needed support to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) staff with activities spread across three days to unwind and recharge.

"While new things can be stressful, if we take time to breathe, eat, exercise, reflect, and recharge, we can pace ourselves and meet our goals," said Molly Wilson, the American Red Cross Station Manager at WRNMMC.

The American Red Cross team kicked things off with a welcome table in the America Zone, first floor of Building 19, offering coffee and snacks on March 25 and 27. And to make sure everyone was feeling the love, a few of their therapy dogs were on hand to give out free snuggles.

Meanwhile, those looking for some fresh air could join yoga sessions and 15-minute guided meditation breaks at the hospital's Labyrinth.

The U.S. Air Force Strings were on site to serenade everyone with delightful melodies.

The American Red Cross wrapped up the series of events offering a Spring puppy photo shoot with their therapy dogs.

"Mental breaks are essential, especially after a challenge like the MHS GENESIS implementation," said Wilson. "They give staff a chance to reflect, bring the challenge back into perspective, and avoid getting overwhelmed."

MHS GENESIS went live March 25, but thanks to the American Red Cross' support, an opportunity to reset could be just what WRNMMC staff need during this time.

"[Mental breaks] also provide an opportunity to connect as a community and share the load, discuss what's working and what's not, and grow that sense of shared purpose," added Hanna Peters, the American Red Cross Assistant Station Manager at WRNMMC. "We're thrilled that the implementation has been a success and that we were able to provide support to our service members and their civilian colleagues."

Although the events have concluded, the American Red Cross is available for support and can be reached at 301-295-1538, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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About Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation's largest and most renowned military medical centers. Recently dubbed "The Nation's Medical Center," we represent the joining of the "Best of the Best" in military medicine when National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center came together in September of 2011, to form Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as decreed by the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005.

About MHS GENESIS

MHS GENESIS is the Department of Defense's new electronic health record. When fully deployed, MHS GENESIS will provide the DOD's 9.6 million beneficiaries and 205,000 medical providers with a single, integrated health record across the continuum of care – deployed and at home and eventually, through the transition to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• MHS GENESIS is deploying in 23 "waves" across the Military Health System with full deployment anticipated at the end of calendar year 2023. MHS GENESIS is currently operational at 103 military hospitals and clinics.
• In 2022, MHS GENESIS deployed to eight waves at 45 military hospitals and clinics in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
• In 2023, MHS GENESIS will deploy to 46 military hospitals and clinics in nine waves in Delaware, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and numerous installations overseas.

• Date Taken: 03.31.2023
• Date Posted: 04.03.2023 09:04
• Story ID: 441727
• Location: BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US