FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2025
GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that it has been named Arizona’s 2025 Community Star by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) as part of the annual Community Star Recognition Program. The honor was officially unveiled today, November 20, 2025, on National Rural Health Day.
The Community Star Recognition Program, launched in 2015 and celebrated each year in conjunction with National Rural Health Day, highlights individuals and organizations that embody the “Power of Rural” through extraordinary leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving health in rural communities. This year’s theme, Moving the Power of Rural Forward, honors the people and places committed to helping rural America thrive.
Located on the Navajo Nation in Ganado, Arizona, Sage Memorial Hospital is the nation’s first Native-managed comprehensive health care system. Serving one of the most remote and underserved regions in the United States, SMH provides critical inpatient, outpatient, emergency, dental, and specialty services while honoring Diné values of K’é, respect, and harmony. In recent years, the hospital has opened a state-of-the-art self-funded $177 million facility, expanded its health services, and strengthened partnerships with other healthcare providers—all to advance its mission of delivering quality health care.
“We are deeply humbled and honored to be selected as Arizona’s Community Star,” said Melinda White, Chief Executive Officer. “It reflects the relentless dedication of our staff and the persistent leadership and resolute support of our Board of Directors. Together we are united in our mission to care for our relatives, empowered by our Tribal sovereignty to exercise self-determination in health and healing. We provide a healing path that overcomes the challenges of rural healthcare to bring excellence and compassionate care closer to home.”
2025 Community Stars
The Community Stars recognition program honors individuals and organizations going above and beyond to improve rural health across the nation. From doctors, nurses, and public health leaders to hospitals, educators, emergency responders, and community-based organizations, these Stars reflect the incredible people and organizations making a difference.
Spanning 47 states, this year’s Community Stars embody the Power of Rural through their compassion, innovation, and collaboration. Each Star, selected by State Offices of Rural Health and other rural advocates, represents a story of leadership and resilience; proof that extraordinary things happen when rural communities come together. The full list of 2025 Community Stars and their stories can be found at: https://powerofrural.org/2025-community-stars/
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