Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2023

Sage Memorial Hospital Gains Support from Navajo Nation Council to Start Administering $2.5 Million P4 Grant for Strengthening Food Security

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee of the Navajo Nation Council convened on Nov. 16, giving final approval to a $2.5 million Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) Grant, which will be administered by the Sage Memorial Hospital. With the approval, SMH, can now start utilizing funding resources from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Services.

The purpose of the program 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.

Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital, praised the council’s endorsement of the grant, “We thank the Navajo Nation Council for their support in helping us address the issue of food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles on the Navajo Nation. This grant will greatly aid our efforts in providing access to fresh produce and nutrition education to our community.”

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2023

P4 Grant Legislation Receives Unanimous Approval from Navajo Nation Council’s Health, Education and Human Services Committee

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation Council’s Health, Education and Human Services Committee convened at the Navajoland Nursing Home Conference Room on Nov. 13 to review legislation 0243-23. The committee unanimously voted, 5 – 0, in favor of the legislation. The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Andy Nez, supports the Sage Memorial Hospital’s (SMH) acceptance of the Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) Grant awarded by the US Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Services.

SMH, the grant beneficiary, will receive $500,000 annually for five years (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2028) through the P4 grant from Indian Health Services (IHS). A signed tribal resolution from the governing body is required by IHS to access funds for program expenses.

The program aims to: Set up Produce Prescription Programs in Tribal communities through partnerships with stakeholders within the healthcare and food sector. It will expand access to fruits, vegetables, and healthy traditional foods for American Indian individuals by offering eligible individuals a fruit and vegetable voucher redeemable at local markets.

As part of this initiative, SMH will recruit 200 community members from the communities of Wide Ruins, Klagetoh, Kinlichee, and Greasewood. These communities were selected based on their scarce access to fresh produce, as they predominantly reside in food deserts.

Phyllencia Begay, SMH’s Grant Writer, was present to address questions from the delegates. She assured the committee that she would regularly report on the progress and ensure the grant is used responsibly for the benefit of the community.

The committee stressed integrating mental health programs and Navajo cultural education to achieve health equity for the Navajo people. The legislation now moves on to the Budget and Finance committee.

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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
October 23, 2023

GANADO, Ariz. – Officials at Sage Memorial Hospital have reported a highly successful turnout at their annual Mass Flu Event. The event, which took place at the hospital’s Wellness Center between October 19th and 21st, 2023, succeeded in administering 1086 flu vaccines during the three day event, according to Planning Section Chief, Trevaia Fowler.

The initial two days of the event were dedicated to students, attracting participants from a range of local schools, including Ganado Unified School District, Greasewood Springs Community Schools and Kindalichii Olta. On the final day, the hospital opened its doors to community members, adding an extra 400+ vaccinations to their count.

CEO Melinda White expressed her gratitude to the community. “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and participation from the community. It is encouraging to witness the community’s commitment to prioritizing their health.”

Ganado Community member Marietta Dooline added, “I appreciate the fact that you’re (Sage Memorial) is providing this (Flu Vaccine) on annual basis. It helps the community…I Myself would rather get the vaccination then encounter a sickness by way of the flu – so I appreciate it.”

The flu vaccine is highly recommended by healthcare professionals and has been proven to be an effective measure in preventing the spread of influenza. For more details about Sage Memorial Hospital and upcoming flu events, visit www.sagememorial.com/flu.

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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