Sage Memorial Hospital Brings Comprehensive Healthcare to Remote Navajo Communities with Mobile Units and Food Deliveries

Sage Memorial Hospital is expanding its healthcare services beyond its main facility in Ganado through the use of mobile units. These units offer a range of outpatient services such as diabetes mellitus screenings, rapid HIV and syphilis tests, sexually transmitted infection screenings and treatments, adult immunizations, harm reduction services, and walk-in care. Kathryn Barron, the nurse practitioner and director of outpatient services and community health at Sage Memorial, emphasized the hospital’s goal of providing comprehensive care to Navajo Nation residents through these mobile units.

Sage Memorial’s mobile units will serve eight locations across the Navajo Nation, including Ganado, Nazlini, Kinlichee, Klagetoh, Wide Ruin, Steamboat, Cornfields and Greasewood. In addition to this, Sage Memorial Hospital has initiated the Produce Prescription Pilot Program which aims to improve food security and health outcomes among Navajo Nation residents by providing access to fruits, vegetables and traditional Native American foods.

Through this program, families facing food insecurity or diabetes can opt for food deliveries from Sage Memorial or purchase food themselves using a loyalty card at the store. Access to food is a major barrier for many individuals in rural areas similar to accessing healthcare services. This program leverages traditional Native American foods to enhance health outcomes within the community.

Sage Memorial Hospital’s innovative approach towards addressing health care access issues is evident in the mapping photo courtesy of Mia Milinovich/Cronkite News. With their mobile units and Produce Prescription Pilot Program