FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2023
GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its agency, the Indian Health Service. This purpose of the funding is aimed at reducing food insecurity and improve health care outcomes among American Indian and Alaska Native people by increasing access to produce and other traditional foods within Native communities.
The grant will be utilized by SMH to launch a Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4), intended to enhance dietary health by facilitating easier access to fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods. “Food insecurity along with obesity and diabetes mellitus comprise a particularly dangerous triad for certain members of our community,” said Dr. Kenneth Anaeme, Chief Medical Officer. “The grant will enable us to provide meaningful and concrete interventions such as the delivery of healthy fruits and vegetables to those at risk for nutrition-related medical illnesses.”
The P4 initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, aiming to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030. Dr. Anaeme added, “Our team at SMH is excited to partner with local produce vendors to create a program that offers medical monitoring and nutritional counseling. More importantly, it empowers members of our community to make healthier food choices in the long term.”
SMH is one of five tribal organizations to receive the $500,000 grant in 2023. Other successful awardees include: Laguna Healthcare Corporation, Paraje, NM; Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Okmulgee, OK; Sage Memorial Hospital, Ganado, AZ; Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, AZ; and Rocky Boy Health Center, Box Elder, MT.
SMH plans to start the program soon, pending a Navajo Council resolution, which is required to begin drawdowns on funds. For more details on the P4 please visit www.sagememorial.com/p4.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater, Director of Public Relations/Marketing
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532
Cell – (928) 221-4205