The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.

If you have a scheduled appointment or other business at the MTF, please verify with your provider or applicable office within the MTF to ensure there are no changes in schedule. To learn how the lapse in appropriations affects your TRICARE benefit, visit www.tricare.mil/shutdown

News & Gallery

Articles

Hospital Happenings

Social worker working with a student in a school library setting.

Aug. 26, 2025

BJACH Reintroduces School-Based Behavioral Health Services to Support Military Families

FORT POLK, La. — As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital has reintroduced its school-based behavioral health program, placing an experienced clinical social worker inside Parkway Elementary School to provide direct care for military children. The initiative strengthens resilience and quality of life for Soldiers and Families—key components of Army readiness.

Female Soldier holding her young daughter in a clinic treatment room.

Aug. 18, 2025

From the Homefront to the Frontlines: Prevention is Readiness

FORT POLK, La. — August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals, strengthening unit readiness and safeguarding public health. Capt. Benjamin Tan, a pediatrician at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, said the value of vaccines starts with the most vulnerable members of the community.

Female Soldier standing in front of a tree dressed in college graduation regalia and holding her diploma.

Aug. 16, 2025

Army Nurse Reaches New Milestone with Doctorate in Executive Leadership

FORT POLK, La. — Lt. Col. Shemica Ward, chief of the Labor, Delivery, Postpartum and Recovery ward at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Baylor University, capping more than 20 years of service in the Army Nurse Corps.

Two Soldiers posing in front of the BJACH sign.

Aug. 11, 2025

Challenged, Tested, Triumphant: BJACH Soldiers Earn EFMB

FORT POLK, La. — Two Soldiers from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital became part of a small community of highly skilled Army medical professionals Aug. 11, earning the Expert Field Medical Badge during the Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badge testing event hosted by the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

Screen capture of the TRICARE website

July 31, 2025

Referral process changes at BJACH: Here’s what Fort Polk Families need to know

FORT POLK, La. — Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is encouraging beneficiaries to take greater ownership of their healthcare with a new digital process for managing off-post specialty referrals. As of June 9, all referrals are now processed through the TriWest Patient Portal, giving patients faster access to authorizations and the freedom to select their own provider.

A group of Military and civilian health leaders posing on the steps of the Alexandria VA Hospital,

July 30, 2025

Military, VA Leaders Meet to Strengthen Health Care Access in Central Louisiana

FORT POLK, La. — Leaders from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and the Alexandria VA Health Care System met July 18 to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at improving access to care for veterans and active duty service members across Central Louisiana.

Hospital commander handing certificate to employee at the Hospital Awards Ceremony.

July 16, 2025

BJACH nurse recognized as DHA Civilian of the Quarter

FORT POLK, La. — Cyndi Boone, a registered nurse at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, was recognized as the Defense Health Agency Civilian of the Quarter during a monthly awards ceremony July 3 at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

Soldier positions a patient for an X-Ray.

July 9, 2025

Nationally certified: BJACH radiology specialist earns professional credential

FORT POLK, La. — Spc. Johnny Rainwater, a radiology specialist assigned to Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam on July 2 in Shreveport—earning a nationally recognized credential that supports military medical readiness and aligns with civilian professional standards.

Patient receiving battlefield acupuncture from a BJACH provider.

July 1, 2025

Tiny needles, big relief: Certified BJACH providers bring battlefield acupuncture to patients

FORT POLK, La. — Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is spotlighting battlefield acupuncture, a fast-acting, medication-free ear acupuncture protocol used to treat chronic pain, migraines, anxiety and stress.

Soldier posing with his wife and two children.

June 27, 2025

BJACH Medic Answers Midnight Call: Staff Sgt. Helton Responds When Tornado Slams Hometown

FORT POLK, La. — For Staff Sgt. Jack Helton, a weekend at his parents’ house in London, Kentucky, was supposed to be a break from the demands of recruiting school at Fort Knox, just two hours away. Instead, an EF-4 tornado became a defining moment that tested the core of his character and reaffirmed his calling to serve — not just in uniform, but as a human being.

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