Extract from Gina Jurva’s article “Striking the Balance: Leveraging Technology, Training, and Talent in FOIA Management”
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) upholds a crucial mission, as articulated by former President Abraham Lincoln in his Second Inaugural Address: a commitment to care for all who have served in the nation’s military, including their families, caregivers, and survivors. This enduring promise sets the foundation for the VA’s efforts to provide comprehensive support to veterans and their communities.
Integral to this mission is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which serves as a cornerstone for promoting transparency, accountability, and accessibility of information within the VA.
By ensuring that information is readily available to veterans and their families, FOIA empowers them to access the support and resources they need to navigate various aspects of their lives.
At the forefront of this complex operation is Michael Sarich, the Director of FOIA at the VA. Last year alone, the VA handled a staggering 80,000 FOIA inquiries, underscoring the immense demand for accessible information on everything from applying for benefits, tracking healthcare history, accessing military service information and much more.
In a recent conversation with Everlaw, Sarich delved into the intricacies of managing high-volume FOIA requests and shared innovative strategies employed by the VA to address this formidable task. Through his transformative leadership, the VA aims to streamline FOIA operations and better serve the needs of veterans and their families.
