Paramedics assigned to the 59th Medical Wing save a patient experiencing cardiac arrest on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, despite the odds.

The ERASE program, led by Dr. M. Alaric Franzos, is a pilot initiative aimed at reducing sudden cardiac arrest in military personnel through early ECG screening at basic training and service academies. Reviving a previously discontinued practice, the program uses modern technology and data to identify hidden cardiac risks and improve medical readiness. With promising early results, ERASE could shape future Department of Defense screening policy.

After nearly two years of visionary leadership, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deydre Teyhen relinquished directorship of the Defense Health Network–National Capital Region on April 14, leaving behind a health system that is a benchmark for integration, innovation, and operational readiness within the Military Health System.

Literacy begins long before a child enters school—and parents play the most important role. This article offers simple, age-based strategies for military families to nurture early reading and language skills from birth through preschool. With consistency, connection, and a few good books, parents can give their children a strong head start—one story at a time.

TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Need technical assistance with accessing the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal? Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the Defense Manpower Data Center web support.

This video is an introduction to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Are you feeling anxious or on edge? TRICARE covers mental health services that can help.

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Spring is one of the most important times of year to become “tick smart” by learning about the risks ticks pose and how to avoid tick bites.

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.