GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the start of a new Traditional Program, led by Traditional Practitioner, Harrison Jim. Harrison Jim has many years of experience in traditional healing. After serving in the military, he was inspired by his cultural heritage and started focusing on traditional and Native American Church ceremonies. He began his professional career in behavioral health in 1995 at the Detox Center in Gallup, where he was hired the same day he was interviewed. Over the next nine years, he developed important programs that helped many people.
After working at the Detox Center, Harrison made significant contributions at the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, where he created a tradition program at the Adolescent Care Unit. His dedication to traditional healing led him to work in Canada and later at the Shiprock Indian Hospital before joining Sage Memorial Hospital.
At Sage Memorial Hospital, Harrison Jim has both short-term and long-term goals to improve healthcare for our patients. Over the next two years, he plans to set up a Teepee and sweat lodges for men and women, build a hogan, and create a curriculum that combines traditional healing with modern medical practices. This traditional intervention framework aims to address illnesses and symptoms that might be hard to diagnose with conventional methods.
The Traditional Program will also support the medical unit by offering traditional ceremonies, such as protection ceremonies, blessing way ceremonies, and cedar blessings, to help diagnose and treat difficult symptoms. If needed, Harrison will work with other traditional practitioners to ensure patients get the best care.
Harrison Jim’s journey into traditional healing was inspired by his mother, who taught him the importance of ceremonies from a young age. Although he initially wanted to operate heavy equipment, he found a fulfilling career in mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse counseling thanks to his mother’s guidance.
Harrison is dedicated to blending traditional practices with modern healthcare. Even though he just started at Sage Memorial Hospital, he has already seen positive changes in patients who are embracing their traditions as part of their health journey. Harrison remains humble, crediting his success to the holy people who guide him.