FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2023
Sage Memorial Hospital Gains Support from Navajo Nation Council to Start Administering $2.5 Million P4 Grant for Strengthening Food Security
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee of the Navajo Nation Council convened on Nov. 16, giving final approval to a $2.5 million Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) Grant, which will be administered by the Sage Memorial Hospital. With the approval, SMH, can now start utilizing funding resources from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Services.
The purpose of the program is aimed at reducing food insecurity and improve health care outcomes among American Indian and Alaska Native people by increasing access to produce and other traditional foods within Native communities.
Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital, praised the council’s endorsement of the grant, “We thank the Navajo Nation Council for their support in helping us address the issue of food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles on the Navajo Nation. This grant will greatly aid our efforts in providing access to fresh produce and nutrition education to our community.”
The grant was awarded in the amount of $500,000 per year for five years, commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on June 30, 2028. The initiative plans to involve 200 community members from Wide Ruins, Klagetoh, Kinlichee, and Greasewood, who experience obstacles to accessing fresh produce. The program aims to collaborate with healthcare and food sector organizations to establish Produce Prescription Programs. These programs will provide eligible participants with fruit and vegetable vouchers to enhance their access to fresh produce at local markets.
SMH is one of five tribal organizations to receive the grant. Other successful awardees include: Laguna Healthcare Corporation, Paraje, NM; Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Okmulgee, OK; Sage Memorial Hospital, Ganado, AZ; Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, AZ; and Rocky Boy Health Center, Box Elder, MT. For more details on the P4 please visit www.sagememorial.com/p4
