Senator Marshall Praises DHA Decision to Maintain Services at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital

Pittsburg - On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following statement after the Defense Health Agency (DHA) confirmed that Fort Riley's Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) is not included on the agency's Service Change Request list and will not face downgrades or reductions at this time:

"I'm glad to see that Fort Riley's Irwin Army Community Hospital will continue serving our soldiers, military families, and the surrounding Kansas communities without disruption," said Senator Marshall. "IACH plays a vital role in supporting readiness and ensuring access to quality care in the Flint Hills region, and this is welcome news for everyone who depends on it."

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, Senator Marshall engaged directly with the Department of War, DHA leadership, and Fort Riley officials to ensure Kansas voices were heard. These efforts included securing an on-site DHA assessment, advocating for expanded care access, and advancing provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen coordination between the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve access for veterans to be seen at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs).

During a visit to Fort Riley, DHA leadership reinforced the importance of maintaining and growing IACH's capabilities. "My goal is to figure out how I can make IACH even more successful," said Dr. Stephen Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs."To me, the definition of success for a hospital is a busy hospital doing high volume, high complexity care."

Background:

Since early 2025, Senator Marshall has engaged with the Department of Defense and DHA leadership regarding the status of Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley:

• January 10, 2025: Sent a letter to the Defense Health Agency demanding answers after reports that Irwin Army Community Hospital could be downgraded to an acute care clinic.
• April 7, 2025: Raised concerns directly with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and received assurances regarding Fort Riley's hospital mission.
• May 9, 2025: Met with Fort Riley's Commanding General, who emphasized the hospital was the installation's top concern.
• May 14, 2025: Spoke with Acting DHA Director Dr. Stephen Ferrara, resulting in DHA agreeing to conduct an on-site assessment.
• June 4, 2025: DHA staff conducted a pre-visit assessment and concluded that the North Central Flint Hills region has fewer care options than expected.
• June 30, 2025: DHA and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs visited Fort Riley and provided preliminary guidance supporting full emergency, surgical, and maternity services. DHA also acknowledged staffing shortages and discussed potential partnerships with the VA to expand access and strengthen services.
• July 9, 2025: Met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to reinforce Kansas's need for a fully operational hospital at Fort Riley.
• December 18, 2025: Secured provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to requires the Pentagon and the VA to establish action plans to improve access for veterans to be seen in Military Treatment Facilities, such as IACH.
• January 9, 2026: Visited Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) at Fort Riley to reiterate his support for the facility.

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