Category Archives: General

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  — The Association of Indians for Self-Determination in Healthcare today recognized three Arizona legislators as Legislators of the Year for their tireless advocacy, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions to protecting, expanding, and sustaining Indian healthcare across the state.

This year’s awards highlighted lawmakers who have advanced critical priorities for Arizona’s 22 tribes and urban Indian health programs, including dialysis access, traditional healing services, and broader health system improvements.

Representative Julie Willoughby received her Legislator of the Year award in person. A longtime state representative and nurse, Willoughby was recognized for her consistent partnership with tribal communities and her leadership on issues affecting rural and tribal healthcare. She played a key role in advancing dialysis-related priorities and House Bill 2177, legislation that supported tribes throughout Arizona.

“Thank you so much for having me. This is an amazing award,” Willoughby said. “When Sage first came and we discussed the issues that would happen at the dialysis center, I started building relationships. I worked in rural hospitals… I’d love to continue to work with you on anything in the future… whatever you might need me to advocate for, I’ll gladly be that voice.”

Senator Sally Ann Gonzales was also named a Legislator of the Year. Unable to attend in person, she delivered remarks via video message. Gonzales has been a long-standing champion of Indian healthcare in the Arizona Senate. Last session she successfully carried legislation establishing traditional healing services. This year she advanced a measure authorizing traditional healing reimbursement through AHCCCS for urban Indian health programs—completing a multi-year effort that now supports reimbursement for traditional healing across the Indian health system in Arizona.

Senator Theresa Hatathlie was recognized through a written statement for her ongoing advocacy on behalf of Indian healthcare.

The Association of Indians for Self-Determination in Healthcare presented the awards in recognition of the legislators’ impact on the health and well-being of tribal communities across Arizona.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

GANADO, Ariz. — Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) proudly announced today that its 2026 Joint Commission Triennial Survey marks a significant milestone in its ongoing journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization. The survey resulted in zero high-risk findings across four programs along with a 45 percent reduction in findings for its Critical Access Hospital program compared to 2023.

Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the Critical Access Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, Patient-Centered Medical Home, and Home Care – Durable Medical Equipment programs between April 30 and May 15, 2026.

“At SMH, quality and patient safety are our top priorities,” said Melinda White, CEO. “We are proud of this successful survey, which reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our commitment to providing the highest standard of care to our relatives and community. This allows us to continue advancing our PCMH model and quality health care we deliver every day.”

Chief Quality Officer Lori Livingston echoed White’s sentiments and highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts. “We began our journey to become a High Reliability Organization in 2023 by strengthening policies, procedures, and safety initiatives across the organization,” she said. “These efforts have created a strong culture of safety, which is reflected in the results of this survey and in how we deliver healthcare.”

“We are especially pleased to have earned new Joint Commission accreditations for our Rural Health Clinic and Home Care – Durable Medical Equipment programs, along with certification for our Patient-Centered Medical Home,” Livingston added. “The RHC survey, in particular, is one that very few organizations complete, and we are grateful to have reached this important achievement.”

For more information about The Joint Commission, visit www.jointcommission.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

GANADO, Ariz. — Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) today applauded Governor Katie Hobbs for signing House Bill 2177 into law on April 13. The bill authorizes the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director to seek federal approval of a Section 1115 waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for continued Medicaid payments for health services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) members at Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal health facilities. If approved, the waiver will ensure Medicaid reimbursements for optional benefits that may be reduced or eliminated from the state plan on or after September 2010.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby (Majority Whip), worked closely with SMH to educate legislators on the 100% Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage tribal and IHS facilities receive per federal law.

“We thank Representative Julie Willoughby for championing this bill and for her strong leadership. We also commend the strong bipartisan support and the advocacy efforts of tribal leaders, health organizations, and community members who helped advance this important legislation.” said Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital. “By codifying the annual waiver application process, Arizona is safeguarding reimbursement for care delivered through tribal and IHS systems.”

During the legislative process, White testified before the House Health and Human Services Committee, sharing a powerful patient story of an individual who regained access to dental services, vision care, and ongoing diabetes management through AHCCCS-supported services at tribal facilities.

Approximately 65% of SMH’s third-party revenue comes from AHCCCS, stressing the program’s importance to the hospital’s ability to serve patients on the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas.

“This proactive, forward-thinking bill will protect and preserve Medicaid reimbursement for all Tribal and IHS facilities across the entire state of Arizona. The next step is to advocate to our federal partners at CMS.” said Kim Russell, Policy Advisor, SMH.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

TSE BONITO, New Mexico – Executive leaders from Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH), representing the Association of Indians for Self-Determination in Healthcare (638 Association), participated in the Navajo Nation Council’s Health Education and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) work session on Mar. 23.

The session focused on advancing tribal self-determination in healthcare delivery, with in-depth discussions on long-term contracts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA, Public Law 93-638) and the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program.

The meeting featured presentations from Indian Health Service (IHS) Navajo Area Office staff and representatives from Title I contracting and Title V compacting organizations. Melinda White, Chief Executive Officer of SMH, presented on behalf of the 638 Association. She highlighted how tribally managed facilities deliver essential specialty, emergency, and referred care services not always available at direct IHS sites.

A major focus of the meeting was the PRC program, which helps cover medically necessary services when direct care is unavailable. Key topics included:

• Eligibility rules, including “He Who Refers Pays” and “Home of Record” guidelines
• Appeals processes for denied services
• Medical priorities and how tribal organizations can adapt them based on funding
• Patient education and challenges with cross-border referrals and notification timelines

Additional discussion addressed Non-Emergent Medical Transport (NEMT) regulations, including permitting processes, safety standards for drivers and vehicles, complaint resolution, and enforcement mechanisms.

The HEHSC expressed appreciation for the collaborative presentations and indicated plans to explore legislative options for standardizing contract terms, improving PRC coordination across facilities, and updating NEMT regulations. Further technical assistance sessions and stakeholder work sessions are expected in the coming months.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud to announce the reopening of its surgical services department. The department, which has been closed since 2006, will resume operations with its first procedure—a colonoscopy and endoscopy—scheduled for the morning of January 21. This milestone marks a historic return to surgical services, ending a nearly 20-year hiatus in the hospital’s general surgery department having ceased operations due to facility challenges and regulatory issues.

“This launch is a major milestone for our community,” said Dr. Kenneth Anaeme, Chief Medical Officer at Sage Memorial Hospital. “After years without local surgical options, we’re bringing these essential services back home.”

The reopening follows a year of intensive preparation since the hospital’s move to its new state-of-the-art facility in December 2024. The new unit will initially focus on outpatient procedures, allowing patients to receive high-quality surgical care and return home the same day.

“For our relatives, this is going to be a significant benefit and convenience,” Anaeme added. “We generally have on average about 10 to 15 referrals for endoscopic procedures every month going out, and these relatives are going out to Flagstaff, and to Phoenix, and recently, we have been unable to secure endoscopies at Flagstaff because they are booked. So, this will stop once we open up because our relatives will be able to get these procedures done right here at Sage.”

Dr. Anaeme outlined SMH’s phased “crawl, walk, run” approach which will begin with outpatient procedures like colonoscopies and esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs). By late February or March 2026, services will expand to labor and delivery, including Caesarean sections, followed by laparoscopic surgeries such as gallbladder removals. Emergency surgeries are anticipated within a year, transforming SMH into a 24/7 surgical unit.

Key personnel include Dr. David Johnson as head of surgery services, Dr. Roger Hucek (also performing surgeries), and Dr Swarnjit Singh (gastroenterologist). In addition, future partnerships with Creighton University Medical Center, will support expanded advanced daytime surgeries once fully operational Anaeme explains.

For more information, please contact the Sage Memorial Hospital at (928) 755-4500 or visit our website at www.sagememorial.com for the latest updates, procedure details, and patient resources.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205