Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2025

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is proud to share we have been recognized as a 2025 AzHHA Quality Award winner.

The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) announced the winners of its Third Annual Quality Awards at the 2024 Quality Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. These awards were created to recognize Arizona’s leaders who are committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional quality performance, community engagement and a culture of continuous improvement.

Sage Memorial Hospital is proud share we have been recognized as a 2025 AzHHA Quality Award winner. We received the Outstanding Patient/Community Impact award in the 25 beds or less classification. The Outstanding Patient/Community Impact award is to recognize outcomes that directly affect patients, reducing hospital acquired infection rates, fall rates, maternal health, mental health, patient safety, quality, equitable and respectful care and patient and family advisory councils.

“The quality of submissions and winners reflect the tremendous work that is happening in our communities across the state,” said Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of AzHHA. “Congratulations to our award winners who are working every day to pursue excellence in quality and patient safety.”

To be considered for this award, we submitted Chizh for Elders. This project led to This project led to:

• 48 elder households receiving life-saving wood deliveries plus in-home safety visits
• Zero cold-weather-related hospitalizations among participants
• 100% elder satisfaction in post-delivery surveys
• Seamless integration of fall-risk screenings and medication reviews—delivering truly holistic care

“This small yet powerful gesture prevented our elders from enduring freezing conditions and exemplified the deep compassion and commitment we hold for the communities we serve,” said Melinda White, CEO. “It’s a testament to how purposeful action, rooted in care, can create lasting impact.”

“This award is not just a recognition; it’s a reflection of our values of Bee łá’í ‘dlį (Together/Unity),” White added. “When we come together with purpose, we create meaningful change.   Thank you all for your continued commitment to Diné Excellence and community care.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2025

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the creation of its new Patient Experience Division, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care and overall patient satisfaction. To lead this transformative effort, the hospital has appointed Christian Bigwater, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in branding and engagement, as the division’s inaugural Chief Patient Experience Officer (CXO).

The Patient Experience Division will work to make every part of a patient’s journey better, from the moment they connect with our messaging, to when they arrive to after they leave and beyond. The team will listen to patients’ feedback, thrive to make services easier to use, and create a warm and caring environment.

Bigwater has worked in marketing for over 22 years. He went to Northern Arizona University, where he earned a degree in marketing. Since February 2023, he has been the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Sage Memorial Hospital. Before that, he worked for 13 years at the Navajo Housing Authority as their Public Relations Coordinator.

“I’m excited to lead this new initiative at Sage Memorial Hospital,” Bigwater said. “Our relatives deserve care that helps their health and respects who they are, their stories, and traditions. We want to make a place where every relative feels listened to, cared for, and respected, so their time with us feels special and important.”

“Sage Memorial Hospital is focused on delivering the best possible experiences for our relatives, and this new division shows that commitment,” said Melinda White, the hospital’s CEO. “With Christian Bigwater’s expertise and connection to our community, we are confident this team will make a big difference for our patients and their families.”

The Patient Experience Division will collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff to implement strategies to improve care, including:

• Better communication: Training doctors and nurses to listen well and talk clearly so relatives feel understood and supported.
• Faster visits: Using technology to make it quicker to book appointments and check in at the hospital.
• Special care: Making plans that fit each relative’s unique needs, culture, and preferences.
• Listening to relatives: Using surveys, group talks, and community events to find out what our relatives want and need.
• Respecting culture: Teaching staff about Navajo traditions and values so they can care for relatives in a respectful way.
• Easier access: Sharing clear information about hospital services in different languages, including Navajo, to help relatives understand their care.

For more information about Sage Memorial Hospital and its new Patient Experience Division, visit www.sagememorial.com/experience.

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