Category Archives: Press Releases

GANADO, Ariz. – The Oak Ridge Fire, which began on June 28, 2025, has consumed approximately 10,934 acres and is currently 75% contained, as reported on July 7, 2025. The fire, believed to be human-caused, prompted evacuations in communities such as Hunters Point, Oak Springs, and parts of St. Michaels. While some evacuation orders have been lifted, many residents continue to face challenges, including the need for essential supplies.

Sage Memorial Hospital has been actively collaborating with the Oak Ridge Incident Command to provide support during these events as well as making significant contributions to the relief efforts. On July 1, the hospital cafeteria donated 80 breakfast burritos, followed by additional 100 dinner plates on July 2 which were distributed to first responders. Additionally, on July 2, SMH contributed 40 bales of hay and 20 bags of grain to assist those in need.

“We understand the challenges our community is facing due to the Oak Ridge Fire, and we are here to support them,” said Tina James-Tafoya, COO of SMH. “We hope our small, but heartfelt contributions will provide some relief and comfort during this difficult time.”

SMH is committed to addressing both immediate and long-term needs as efforts shift toward recovery. Our focus in partnership with other surrounding healthcare facilities will include offering targeted messaging and services designed to provide mental health support to those impacted.

For more information on mental health resources and support, please visit our website or contact our Behavioral Health Department at (928) 755-4586.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital joined Governor Katie Hobbs, state legislators, and community leaders at the ceremonial signing of the Arizona FY 2026 budget at the Executive Tower, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. The event, held from 10:30–11:15 a.m., marked a step forward for healthcare equity in Arizona, with the budget allocating a $3 million grant for a tribal dialysis center to serve tribal communities.

“On behalf of Sage Memorial Hospital, we would like to express our gratitude to Governor Hobbs and our legislative partners for their leadership in ensuring that life-saving dialysis care is accessible to the members of the Navajo Nation,” said Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital. “The funding included in the bipartisan state budget reflects Arizona’s commitment to

equitable healthcare across our communities and will be effectively used to serve the needs of our community.”

The $3 million dialysis center grant originates from Senate Bill 1575, sponsored by Senator Theresa Hatathlie and approved by the Arizona State Senate in early 2025. This bill targeted healthcare needs in rural Native communities, particularly for diabetes care.

Sage Memorial Hospital currently has a service area of approximately 11,000 individuals across eight Navajo communities, including Ganado, Steamboat, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Kinlichee, and Nazlini. Currently, many Navajo patients must travel long distances for dialysis, creating significant burdens on patients and families, contributing to poorer health outcomes, and increasing care costs.

Dr. Kenneth Anaeme, Chief Medical Officer at Sage Memorial Hospital, highlights a need for improved local dialysis care. Apache County currently has 324 active End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients, while Navajo County accounts for 400, bringing the total to 724 individuals who could greatly benefit from enhanced access to treatment.

“Many of our patients currently travel long distances for dialysis, which strains families and worsens health outcomes,” Anaeme added. “This new center will provide life-saving care closer to home, reducing costs and improving quality of life for our community.”

About Sage Memorial Hospital

Sage Memorial Hospital, located in Ganado, Arizona, is operated by the Navajo Health Foundation, the nation’s first Native-managed comprehensive healthcare system. Established in 1974, the hospital serves approximately 11,000 people across eight communities including; Ganado,  Steamboat, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Kinlichee, and Nazlini with a 25-bed inpatient facility. Services include radiology, pharmacy, telemedicine, and a 24/7 Emergency Room, with specialized clinics for Dental, Diabetes, and Behavioral Health.

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GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the launch of its new career portal, designed to provide job seekers with a seamless and efficient application experience. The portal features tools such as advanced job search filters, personalized job alerts, and résumé upload capabilities.

“We’re focused on making the application process as smooth and intuitive as possible, so candidates can focus on showcasing their skills and experience without unnecessary barriers,” said Ronnye Etcitty, Chief Human Resources Officer SMH. “Angela Rodriguez, our dedicated HR recruiter, is available to assist applicants with their questions or to guide them through the application process.”

Open Positions at Sage Memorial Hospital:  

Registered Nurses  

Mammographer/DEXA  

Grant Writer  

Public Health Nurse  

Ultrasound/Echo Vascular Sonographer  

Family Practice Physician  

For more information or to start an application, visit sagememorial.com/careers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2025

PHOENIX – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) is honored to be recognized for its groundbreaking efforts in employee housing. Jarom Prows, Facilities Director at SMH, accepted the prestigious “Innovations in Housing” award on behalf of the hospital during the Arizona Housing Coalition’s 30th Annual Conference, “The Road to Home,” held May 7-8 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The Arizona Housing Coalition’s annual conference is the premier education and networking event for the affordable housing and homeless service industries in the state, attracting over 650 participants from public and private sectors. The recognition of SMH highlights its commitment to addressing housing challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The award stems from SMH’s development of the “Apartments at Sage,” a 27-unit employee housing complex offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. This project is part of a broader effort to revitalize the hospital’s housing infrastructure.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Jarom Prows Director of Facilities at SMH during his acceptance speech. “We are committed to improving community health by addressing access to healthcare,” said Prows. “By enhancing employee housing, we are creating an environment where our team can thrive, ensuring they can focus on delivering exceptional care.”

“Our mission is to address critical healthcare needs,” Prows added. “This includes building housing for essential workers like doctors and nurses. Providing these resources ensures that our communities receive the care they deserve.”

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