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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[…] “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,” White said in a statement. […]