Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

Our student employee Keanu Mitchell sat down with the Director of Rehabilitation Deidra Salabye to attain   more information on the Physical Therapy Department at Sage Memorial Hospital. 

Keanu: What is the main goal of physical therapy?

Deidrea: The main goal is to rehabilitate patients by educating them on how to facilitate their healing after an injury, surgery, or patients with chronic pain or issues. Also to educate patients on how to strengthen their bodies and get their bodies to move better. There is a lot of education and demonstration for the process of teaching patients different exercises and stretches to help their bodies.

Keanu: What makes Sage Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy different?

Deidrea: Sage Memorial Hospital’s therapists and the services they provide to their patients. The therapists here at Sage Memorial Hospital are incredibly well trained and have years of experience. The therapists are empathetic, caring, and they are great with specific patient’s needs. They are hands on, patient, and they listen to their patients needs.

Keanu: What do you admire most about the Physical Therapy department here at Sage?

Deidrea: The work ethic of the physical therapy department, they are very hands on and work hard to have the clinic run more efficiently and provide services that patients deserve.

Keanu: Is there any improvements you want to make in the physical therapy department?

Deidrea: Policy writings is an improvement that they are now working on because the current policy is outdated. Policies give guidance on how to run the physical therapy department more efficiently. Another improvement they want to make is [to have] all permanent staff.

Keanu: Do you have any additional comments?

Deidrea: The physical therapy department strongly believes in the mission, vision, and values of Sage Memorial Hospital. They are running efficiently following the mission, vision, and values. The Physical Therapy department is very thankful for the support from the executive team.

As we move closer to the opening of our new facility, I would like to take a moment to recognize all who have worked tirelessly to accomplish this impressive goal. The entire construction crew, Sage Memorial Facilities Division, the consultants, nurses, allied staff, IT services, maintenance crews, and every other department came together to achieve the dream of a state-of-the-art hospital in Ganado, Arizona.  

In keeping the vision of Sage Memorial’s Board of Directors to provide innovative health care while enhancing the Diné philosophy of life, our brand-new hospital will provide a robust suite of medical services and state-of-the-art technology for all residents in our service area. 

Some highlights of our services include a four-bed Intensive Care Unit staffed by ICU trained nurses, 24-hour physician coverage, and Tele-Intensivist support.  Other services include an Inpatient Hemodialysis Unit as well as new subspeciality medical services such as TeleStroke care, tele and in-person cardiology and pulmonology.  

Sage Memorial’s outpatient clinic also boasts subspecialities in the field of Rheumatology and Neurology. To complement these new services, Sage Memorial has in-house echocardiogram and cardiac rhythm testing as well as stress testing, sleep apnea testing, and pulmonary function testing. 

Patients can expect to receive current, state-of-the-art treatment in a timely and cost-effective manner when they visit our new hospital. We aim to provide the “Right Care in the Right Place at the Right Time.”

TUCSON – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce a generous donation from Medicine Man Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. The gallery has gifted six exquisite pieces of art to enhance the environment of our new hospital facility. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark Sublette and his dedicated team for supporting our mission and contributing to the healing atmosphere of our new space. Mark Sublette, owner of Medicine Man Gallery, has expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the development of the new hospital. He highlighted the powerful role that art can play in the healing process, bringing comfort and inspiration to both patients and staff. His contribution emphasizes the importance of community support in our ongoing journey to provide exceptional healthcare service. The artworks will not only beautify the hospital, but also serve as symbols of hope and recovery, reinforcing the therapeutic environment we strive to create. If you are interested in donation art please contact Christian Bigwater, Director PR/Marketing via email at christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com.

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the start of a new Traditional Program, led by Traditional Practitioner, Harrison Jim. Harrison Jim has many years of experience in traditional healing. After serving in the military, he was inspired by his cultural heritage and started focusing on traditional and Native American Church ceremonies. He began his professional career in behavioral health in 1995 at the Detox Center in Gallup, where he was hired the same day he was interviewed. Over the next nine years, he developed important programs that helped many people.

After working at the Detox Center, Harrison made significant contributions at the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, where he created a tradition program at the Adolescent Care Unit. His dedication to traditional healing led him to work in Canada and later at the Shiprock Indian Hospital before joining Sage Memorial Hospital.

At Sage Memorial Hospital, Harrison Jim has both short-term and long-term goals to improve healthcare for our patients. Over the next two years, he plans to set up a Teepee and sweat lodges for men and women, build a hogan, and create a curriculum that combines traditional healing with modern medical practices. This traditional intervention framework aims to address illnesses and symptoms that might be hard to diagnose with conventional methods.

The Traditional Program will also support the medical unit by offering traditional ceremonies, such as protection ceremonies, blessing way ceremonies, and cedar blessings, to help diagnose and treat difficult symptoms. If needed, Harrison will work with other traditional practitioners to ensure patients get the best care.

Harrison Jim’s journey into traditional healing was inspired by his mother, who taught him the importance of ceremonies from a young age. Although he initially wanted to operate heavy equipment, he found a fulfilling career in mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse counseling thanks to his mother’s guidance.

Harrison is dedicated to blending traditional practices with modern healthcare. Even though he just started at Sage Memorial Hospital, he has already seen positive changes in patients who are embracing their traditions as part of their health journey. Harrison remains humble, crediting his success to the holy people who guide him.