Westside Family Healthcare to Launch OCHIN Epic, Strengthening Care Coordination and Patient Connections
New OCHIN Epic system will launch October 13, improving patient access, care coordination and connectivity across Delaware’s health care system
WILMINGTON, Del., October 9, 2026 — Westside Family Healthcare will launch OCHIN Epic, its new electronic health record system, on October 13, giving patients new tools to stay connected to their care and helping providers more readily access information from participating hospitals and specialists. The launch will also introduce MyChart, a secure patient portal available through an app or website.
The transition represents one of the most significant technology investments in the federally qualified health center’s 38-year history. Implementation is supported by grant funding Westside secured through competitive application processes, including awards from the Longwood Foundation, the Welfare Foundation and Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
“Our patients deserve care that is connected, and our teams deserve the tools to make that possible,” said Chris Fraser, President & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare. “This investment will help us coordinate care across settings and give patients more ways to stay connected to their care team. It strengthens our ability to serve Delaware families today and for years to come.”
When patients move between primary care, hospital care and specialty services, important information can be difficult to bring together. OCHIN Epic’s secure information-sharing capabilities will help Westside care teams access relevant records from participating organizations, such as hospital discharge summaries and medication information. These tools can support follow-up care and reduce the burden on patients to relay information between providers.
“When a patient comes to us after a hospital stay or specialist visit, having that information more readily available helps us understand what happened and what they need next,” said Erica Melvin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, of Westside Family Healthcare. “It gives us a more complete picture of their health and helps us coordinate their care without asking them to fill in every gap.”
MyChart will give patients secure access to health information, including medications, test results and immunizations, and a way to communicate with their care team. Patients will also be able to request prescription refills through the portal. Westside’s patient information materials will explain how to register and use the tools available at launch.
For care teams, the new system will bring clinical information, patient communication and care coordination tools into one platform. It is designed to support more efficient workflows and reduce reliance on manual processes, with benefits continuing to develop as teams gain experience with the system.
“Epic represents years of planning and preparation across Westside, and our staff have invested tremendous time in training and getting ready for this transition,” said Kelly Dungee, MSIS, MBA, RN, Director of Clinical IT at Westside Family Healthcare. “Learning a new system takes time. We’re committed to supporting our teams and patients through that adjustment, and we’re excited about what Epic will make possible: better coordination, easier access to information and a better experience for the people we serve.”
Known internally as Westside’s “Epic Adventure,” the transition has brought staff across the organization together to prepare for the launch.
Westside is implementing the system through OCHIN, a national nonprofit organization that provides technology and other support to rural and community-based health care organizations.
Patients can find MyChart registration instructions and information about what to expect during the transition at www.westsidehealth.org/patient-resources/my-chart
About Westside Family Healthcare
Westside Family Healthcare is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with the mission to improve the health of our communities by providing equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay. Since 1988, Westside has provided comprehensive healthcare and supportive services to individuals and families throughout Delaware. In 2025, Westside served 25,093 patients, with 93% of patients with known income living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and 39.7% uninsured. Through five health centers, a school-based health center, a mobile health unit, and community-based programs, Westside works to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for Delaware communities.
Westside Family Healthcare receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Primary Health Care. Approximately 25% of Westside’s annual operating budget is supported by HRSA funding.
Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $157,394,963.86 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.