Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

Ganado, Ariz. — Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce the completion of its Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Implementation Plan. This comprehensive plan was completed to identify and address the specific health needs of our community. The assessment included direct input from community members, demographic research, and data analysis to identify the most pressing health care needs.

The CHNA was conducted between March 1, 2022 through May 1, 2022 and fulfills federal regulations requiring non-profit hospitals to conduct a community health needs assessment every three years.

The final report is now available to the public. A downloadable copy can be accessed on our website at https://sagememorial.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-Community-Health-Needs-Assessment-and-Implementation-Plan-FINAL-Board-approved-18-AUG-2023.pdf

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Christian Bigwater, Director of Public Relations/Marketing
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532
Cell – (928) 221-4205

­­­FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2023

GANADO, Ariz. -Sage Memorial Hospital is proud to introduce its esteemed team of hospital executives. Combining decades of experience in healthcare, government, finance, marketing, and administration, these talented individuals have come together to ensure the health and well-being of our community.

Leading the charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Melinda White, who has more than 15 years’ healthcare leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Health Administration, and a Master of Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Melinda also attained a Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law from the University of Tulsa.

Overseeing finances is Pearline Kirk who serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Sage Memorial Hospital. Her extensive background includes being a Supervisory Internal Auditor with the Navajo Area Office Indian Health Service. She holds advanced degrees in business, tax, and law – including a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the highly respected Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University – as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Taxation (M.Tax), and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the acclaimed W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Tina James-Tafoya, MHA, is the Chief Operations Officer at Sage Memorial Hospital, bringing over 11 years of healthcare experience to the role. Her previous positions include Patient Relations Manager, Patient Advocate, Professional Development Director, Public Affairs Director, and Chief Administrative Officer. Tina holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, as well as a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

Charlotte Seaton, BSN, RN holds the position of Chief Nursing Officer at Sage Memorial Hospital and possesses over 25 years’ worth of experience in the healthcare and nursing fields. Seaton earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University and began her registered nursing career in the medical/surgical unit at Sage Memorial Hospital.

Jolene D. Etsitty is the Human Resources Director at Sage Memorial Hospital. She has over 18 years working in educational institutions and working with changes that enhance organizations by meeting their goals and objectives. A proud graduate of Fielding Graduate University, where she holds an emphasis in Organization Development Leadership (ODL). Additionally, she holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO.

Christian Bigwater is the Director of Public Relations/Marketing at Sage Memorial Hospital. With more than two decades of experience on Navajo Nation, he specializes in marketing, communication, and promotion. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Northern Arizona University, emphasizing on communication and promotion.

Jarom Prows is the Director of Facilities at Sage Memorial Hospital. Jarom has been working in healthcare for over 17 years, covering everything from construction to design to operations.  He has an Associates degree in Design and Drafting, a Bachelors of Science degree in Construction Management, and is on track to earn his Masters of Science in Health Administration from Grand Canyon University by 2023.

Rounding off the team is newly appointed Chief Medical Officer Kenneth Anaeme, MD, FACP, FAAP, CWSP, ABPM/UHM , Chief Medical Officer. Dr Anaeme obtained his medical degree with Honors in Pharmacology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1988. After an Internship at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, he went on to serve for one year with the Nigerian Air Force Hospital as part of the mandatory National Youth Service Program. Later he went on to complete a dual residency in Internal medicine and Pediatrics at The University of Illinois in Chicago in 1992. After several years of practice in Illinois, Dr. Anaeme relocated to Arizona in 2002 where he currently practices as an Internist and Pediatrician. Since 2005 Dr Anaeme has expanded his clinical practice to include the provision of Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine services, achieving board certification in the field of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine in 2009.

“As Chief Medical Officer of Sage Memorial Hospital, I am humbled and honored to serve the community,” said Dr. Anaeme. “I am very proud to be part of this diverse and dynamic executive team that is committed to providing quality care for our patients and their families.”

With the appointment of the CMO, the executive team is now complete and ready to take on the challenge of providing excellent healthcare services. “I am incredibly proud of the executive team we have put together at Sage Memorial Hospital,” said SMH CEO Melinda White. “Each leader brings a unique set of skills and experience to our team, which will ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care in a safe and compassionate environment.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Christian Bigwater, Director of Public Relations/Marketing
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532
Cell – (928) 221-4205

­­­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.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Christian Bigwater, Director of Public Relations/Marketing
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532
Cell – (928) 221-4205