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Sage Memorial Hospital’s Behavioral Health Department to host training on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024

Sage Memorial Hospital’s Behavioral Health Department to host training on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Ganado, AZ –The Sage Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health Department is pleased to announce the upcoming adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training scheduled for March 21, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the hospital’s Behavioral Health Conference Room.

The one-day session is being hosted by C.O.P.E Specialists from Sage Memorial’s Behavioral Health Department and will last for 5.5 hours. This in-person event will bring together individuals, first responders, and hospital staff to learn how to identify common mental health challenges and provide support until professional help is available.

The training will cover the MHFA Action Plan known as ALGEE, which teaches participants how to:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Participants must register for the training by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-mental-health-first-aid-mhfa-training-tickets-853084357277. A self-paced 2-hour online pre-work course must be completed before the training date.

According to various sources, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, approximately 130 people die by suicide every day. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 1 in 5 individuals in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and from 1999 to 2019, there have been over 841,000 deaths due to drug overdoses.

Rebekah Johnson and Marissa Kee, C.O.P.E Specialists at Sage Memorial Hospital, are available for any further information or inquiries. To reach Rebekah Johnson please call 928-755-4574 or email rebekah.johnson@sagememorial.com. To reach Marissa Kee, please call 928-755-4587 or email marissa.kee@sagememorial.com.

 

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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

Sage Memorial Hospital Releases FY2023 Annual Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce the release of its FY2023 Annual Report. The report highlights the hospital’s achievements and milestones over the past year, including a successful Joint Commission Critical Access Hospital survey and expansion of healthcare services.

Melinda White, CEO, SMH, expressed her gratitude for the dedicated team at the hospital, stating that, “they have been the cornerstone of our success, driving us to achieve these milestones and accomplishments throughout the year.” She also emphasized Sage Memorial Hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services guided by our Diné culture and values.

The Board of Directors also expressed their appreciation for the community’s support and acknowledged the hard work of the entire staff, including the executive team. They reaffirmed their dedication to continuously improving and finding new ways to better serve the community while honoring the Diné philosophy of life.

The FY2023 Annual Report also showcases SMH’s financial stability and growth, with a focus on innovation and quality. This includes the addition of new medical services and the implementation of UV robots for enhanced infection control. The hospital also received grants from Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) and the Arizona Foundation to support its mission.

The FY2023 Annual Report can be accessed on Sage Memorial Hospital’s website at https://sagememorial.com/2024/02/24/sage-memorial-hospital-releases-fy2023-annual-report  “We encourage our community members, stakeholders, and the media to review this document to gain insight into the progress Sage Memorial Hospital has achieved in the past fiscal year,” said White.

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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

IMPORTANT NOTICE: MRI Relocation and Temporary Parking Update

We would like to inform you about the ongoing construction and changes regarding the relocation of our MRI unit, a vital part of our imaging services.

Please take note of the following important dates and activities:

  • Parking Bollards Removal: On February 18th and 19th, we will be removing bollards in the parking area to accommodate the Mobile MRI unit.
  • Crane Operation: Scheduled for February 20th – 21st, a crane will be in operation in the area north of the main hospital to facilitate the MRI unit relocation. We kindly request everyone to be cautious around this construction zone during this time.
  • Mobile MRI Unit Set-Up: Finally, on February 22nd, the Mobile MRI unit will be set up. This will involve the closure of designated parking areas, with additional signage for patient and visitor guidance.

Please note the parking changes:

  • Dedicated Handicap Spaces: These will be conveniently located near the main hospital and MRI Mobile Unit, as illustrated in the diagram.
  • Temporary Parking Area: In case of overflow parking requirements for the main hospital, designated areas will be available as indicated in the diagram, marked with a yellow cloud.

For the safety of all, we urge you to adhere to all posted signage and barriers while navigating the hospital premises during this transitional phase. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Sage Memorial Hospital Debuts 2024 Wall Calendars

GANADO, Ariz. — Sage Memorial Hospital is excited to announce the release of its 2024 Wall Calendars. The calendars, are now available for collection at our Patient Experience desk in the Poncel Hall building, located on our campus. They can also be picked up at any of our service area chapter houses (Ganado, Steamboat, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Kinlichee, Nazlini).

This year’s calendar highlights a picture of the new hospital which is scheduled to open in the summer of this year.  

“We invite all community members to grab their copy today and stay organized all year round with SMH,” said Director of Public Relations and Marketing Christian Bigwater.

Embracing Cultural Diversity in Mental Health Care: An Interview with Dr. Richard Laughter

GANADO, Ariz. — Dr. Richard Laughter recently joined the Sage Memorial Hospital behavioral health team. He is the only Native American psychiatrist on the Navajo Nation. With over 15 years of experience in psychiatry and a passion for embracing cultural diversity, Dr. Laughter talks about how traditional healing practices can help with mental health care. In this interview, he explains why cultural elements are important in treatment and how they can help patients get better.

Traditional Healing Practices at Sage Memorial Hospital

Dr. Laughter envisions expanding the cultural diversity in mental health care by offering a variety of practices such as sweat lodges, hogans, teepees, and other traditional structures for patients to access. He also hopes to incorporate Christian practices for those who may not identify with traditional Native American beliefs.

“I envision bringing cultural elements into the hospital, like the Hogan and spiritual counselors. They could operate as a separate entity to serve the entire facility,’” said Laughter. “This way, we can guide people there and make sure they get the specific prayers or support they need.”

These practices will work alongside other treatments like therapy and medication. The goal is to provide a well-rounded approach to healing, combining both Western and traditional medicine.

Other plans include; incorporating programs such as “Wellbriety” which is a Native American approach to healing addiction, and working with community members who may be able to offer unique perspectives on treatment.

About Dr. Richard Laughter

Dr. Richard Laughter was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but frequently visited the Navajo reservation with his parents. His father hails from Shonto, Arizona, while his mother originates from Vanderwagon, New Mexico. His clans are Bit’an’nii, born for T’od’ich’nii.  Maternal grandfather is Dibe’l izhini,  and maternal grandfather is T’achil’nii. He is a veteran of the USMC and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the infantry.

He obtained his undergraduate degree in human biology from the University of Utah before completing his psychiatry residency at The University of Nevada in Reno. Subsequently, he pursued a Master’s in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.

After graduating, Laughter moved to the Navajo Reservation and began working at Gallup Indian Medical Center. He spent four years there, making a big difference in his service-focused career.

“I have chosen to make this reservation area my home,” said Laughter.” I have seen firsthand the challenges and disparities that our people face in accessing mental health care and I am committed to being a part of the solution.”

 AA Program (Wellbriety)

In addition to incorporating traditional healing practices, Sage Memorial Behavioral  Health Services  is also implementing the Native American 12 Step Program, “Wellbriety.” This program was developed by White Bison and focuses on incorporating cultural teachings into the 12 steps.

Leroy Klassen, a Peer Support Specialist, has recently completed training in the Wellbriety 12 Steps and will be leading sessions Monday through Friday. The sessions will incorporate traditional elements such as talking circles, drumming and singing, prayer, and smudging.

Sage Memorial BHS is also in the process of setting up a sweat lodge and ordering materials for two teepees. They are also planning to hire a traditional practitioner to further incorporate cultural practices into treatment.

In addition to the Wellbriety program, Sage Memorial BHS also offers SAMHSA Matrix Substance Abuse groups, which consist of 54 lessons on coping skills. These groups alternate with Wellbriety sessions in both the morning and afternoon.

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