Sage Memorial Hospital Celebrates 95 Years of Care and Healing with Community Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2025

GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH), the nation’s first Native-managed comprehensive health care system, is proud to announce a special community event commemorating 95 years of dedicated service to the Diné people and surrounding communities. The celebration, themed “A Legacy of Care and Healing,” will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital campus in Ganado, Arizona.

Established in 1930 as a mission hospital and transitioning to Navajo management in 1974, SMH has become an important source of healthcare services for the surrounding communities. It provides a variety of essential services including emergency care, outpatient clinics, community health, behavioral health, and more. This event honors the hospital’s commitment to providing quality health care rooted in the Diné principles of respect (iłiłį́), unity (beełáʼídlį́), beauty (hózhǫ́), and harmony in honor of K’é and the sacredness of life.

The free, family-friendly event invites community members, patients, staff, and visitors to join in a day of wellness, education, and fun. Highlights include:

• SMH Job Fair: Explore career opportunities in healthcare and support roles at one of the region’s leading Native-led institutions.

• SMH Live Podcast: Engage with live recordings featuring hospital leaders, health experts, and community stories.

• Adult & Youth Wellness Activities: Participate in interactive health screenings and activities promoting physical and mental well-being for all ages.

• Fun Run & Walk: Kick off the day early with a community run and walk starting at 7 a.m., encouraging fitness and togetherness.

• Farmers Market, Artists Market, and Food Truck Market: Shop artisan crafts, and enjoy delicious meals from food trucks while supporting Navajo entrepreneurs and traditions. Vendors can register for the online Farmer’s and Artist’s Market for the hospital’s 95th Celebration here: https://forms.office.com/r/WwEshRJHLz

• Lunch Provided: A complimentary lunch will be provided for attendees as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for our community.

“We are thrilled to mark this historic milestone by bringing our community together in celebration of our shared legacy of care and healing,” said Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital. “For 95 years, SMH has been more than a hospital—it’s a place that honors our Diné heritage while advancing modern care. This event is our way of saying ‘ahéhee’ to the families we serve and inspiring everyone to imagine a brighter and healthier future.”

The celebration follows the recent opening of SMH’s state-of-the-art $177 million facility, which enhances access to services and highlights the hospital’s ongoing innovation in rural healthcare.

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