Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital and Bashas’ Supermarkets are pleased to announce a new partnership through the P4 Grant Program. This collaboration will provide patients with access to fresh, healthy food options through Bashas’ loyalty program.

The P4 Grant Program, focused on preventative health measures for Native American communities, has been working closely with Bashas’ to develop a voucher system that integrates with the supermarket’s existing loyalty program. This will not only make it easier for patients to redeem their vouchers, but also allow for better tracking and reporting of purchases.

“We are excited about this partnership with Bashas’ because it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote healthier lifestyles in our community,” said Kathryn Barron, Director of the P4 Grant Program at Sage Memorial Hospital. “Their willingness to adapt and adjust as we continue to improve the program shows their commitment to our clients’ needs.”

One key aspect of this partnership is Bashas’ dedication to keeping administrative costs low, ensuring that all funds allocated for food purchases will go directly towards providing healthy options for patients. In addition, Bashas’ has expressed a desire to work with local ranchers and farmers to incorporate their products into the program.

To kick off the partnership, Sage Memorial Hospital will be distributing grocery bags with their logo at select Bashas’ locations to promote the program and encourage patient feedback through surveys.

This collaboration between Sage Memorial Hospital and Bashas’ Supermarkets is just one example of how working together can make a positive impact on the health of Native American communities. The P4 Grant Program is continuously seeking new partnerships and opportunities for improvement, and this partnership with Bashas’ sets a great precedent for future collaborations.

About P4

The Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) is a grant program authorized by Congress to increase access to traditional foods and produce for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The program’s goal is to improve health care outcomes by reducing food insecurity and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods. The P4 is part of the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) efforts to implement the Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

The grant was awarded in the amount of $500,000 per year for five years, commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on June 30, 2028. The initiative plans to involve 200 community members from Wide Ruins, Klagetoh, Kinlichee, and Greasewood, who experience obstacles to accessing fresh produce. The program aims to collaborate with healthcare and food sector organizations to establish Produce Prescription Programs. These programs will provide eligible participants with fruit and vegetable vouchers to enhance their access to fresh produce at local markets.

SMH is one of five tribal organizations to receive the grant. 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. For more details on the P4 please visit www.sagememorial.com/p4

GANADO, Ariz. – Project “Chizh for Elders” is aimed at supporting the elderly population within the Sage Memorial Hospital service area by providing wood during the cold winter months. Under the guidance of Facility Director Jarom Prows and his dedicated team, the project effectively utilizes surplus wood from hospital construction activities, to supply the community’s elderly population with free firewood, crucial for heating during the cold season.

Since launching in mid-December 2023, Project “Chizh for Elders” has delivered over 42 loads of wood, making a real difference in the lives of elders in SMH service area, whih includes the communities of Ganado, Steamboat, Klagetoh , Wide Ruins, Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Kinlichee and Nazlini.

“The project is not just about providing heat but also about showing respect, care, and recognition to the elders, honoring their contributions to the community,” said Jonathan Hubbard, Facility Lead Supervisor, “The gratitude from the elders has been amazing. They live in remote places with not much around, and they really count on this firewood to keep warm.”

According to hospital staff, many of the elders reached out to express their gratitude and even shed tears at the simple act of receiving firewood.

For some, this program has made a significant impact on their daily lives and well-being. One elder shared her story of how she had to use furniture to burn for heat and was struggling to keep warm without any access to firewood.

This project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the facilities department in conjunction with the diabetes team. It focuses on providing assistance to the community’s most vulnerable members, who are identified through patient referrals. This ensures that those who are most in need receive the support and resources through this donation program.

“We are doing this because we care about our community, our elders, and preserving our culture,” says one of the employees spearheading the program. “These elders have so much knowledge and wisdom to share, and it’s important that we support them and keep their traditions alive.”

Sage Memorial Hospital invites the community to join in this effort to support their elders. Together, they hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have given so much to their community.