The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced plans to realign an additional $800 million this fiscal year to upgrade health care facilities across the nation.
The funding comes through the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) program, which aims to ensure safe and effective care by repairing and updating aging VA infrastructure and technology.
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis is among the facilities slated to receive improvements. Projects at the local center will include upgrading elevators in the A and D wings, replacing air handling units and roof deficiencies, upgrading the fire alarm system and installing a Toshiba CT replacement.
“This is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we are charged with serving,” said Doug Collins, VA Secretary. “Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure help improve care for veterans, and these additional funds will enable VA to achieve that goal.”
The $800 million comes from savings generated by various VHA reform efforts. With the new allocation, total NRM program spending for fiscal year 2025 will rise to $2.8 billion, nearly $500 million more than the previous year.
These upgrades are part of broader efforts by the VA during the second Trump administration. Since January, the VA has reduced the backlog of Veterans waiting for benefits by more than 37%, offered nearly one million appointments outside normal hours, and opened 16 new health care clinics nationwide. The VA also reports record processing of disability claims, with two million processed by June of this fiscal year.
The president’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes billions in additional funding for the VA to continue expanding services and improving access to care.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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