Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

GANADO, AZ – The Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors officially broke ground on its new hospital campus development project during a private groundbreaking ceremony on November 4, 2021.

The development of the new facility will include a 90,000 sqft two-story hospital building, two-story medical office building, and on-site employee housing situated on an 18-acre site with additional parking.

“The Executive Management Team and the Board of Directors have been able to work to make this vision a reality for Sage Memorial Hospital. This will allow the Hospital to provide central and expanded services while continuing to improve the quality of healthcare for the Navajo people,” said Alden Joe, Interim Chief Executive Officer for Sage Memorial Hospital.

The new hospital development is expected to create a positive economic impact for the Ganado area, creating new employment opportunities throughout construction, with an emphasis on contractors and sub-contractors employing a majority Navajo workforce. When opened at full operational capacity, the new hospital campus is expected to create an additional 100 new jobs for Navajo people.

“This year has been a year of milestones for Sage Memorial Hospital. The Board of Directors has worked to re-define the Hospital’s mission, vision and values statements, re-brand the Hospital with a new logo, and now breaking ground on a new hospital campus. Sage Memorial Hospital has a 100-year legacy of providing healthcare to the Navajo people. It is our hope that with these important milestones that we continue that legacy and build upon quality, innovation and dynamic care and facilities for our community,” stated Delores Noble, Chairwoman of the Navajo Health Foundation-Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.

Sage Memorial Hospital will continue to provide the public with additional information and updates throughout the development of the project. For additional information regarding Sage Memorial visit www.sagememorial.com.

GANADO, AZ – The Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors voted on October 1, 2021 to terminate the employment and employment contracts of its executive management team, including the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and a senior management and financial consultant.  These terminations were effective on October 1, 2021.   

The Board of Directors has been working to ensure that operations of Sage Memorial Hospital and its projects continue without interruption.  The Board of Directors has named Mr. Alden Joe as Interim Chief Executive Officer; Ms. Sharon Edison will serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Joe, Ms. Edison, and the Board of Directors are working closely together to recruit and hire a new executive management team as soon as possible.   

The Board of Directors is committed to recruiting a dynamic and qualified executive management team that will continue to work to achieve the vision of the hospital and deliver and expand quality healthcare throughout the hospital’s service area. Sage Memorial Hospital will not be taking into consideration any previous members of the hospital’s former healthcare management company and is committed to pursuing and finalizing all legal matters regarding the former healthcare management group.    

The Board of Directors is committed to its support for the Sage Memorial Hospital staff and healthcare providers, and thanks them for their ongoing dedication to our patients, our community, and all Diné people.  ##