Sage Memorial Hospital is expanding its access to health care services through its mobile units, which will extend beyond its main facility in Ganado. These mobile units offer outpatient services such as diabetes mellitus screenings, rapid HIV and syphilis tests, sexually transmitted infection screenings and treatments, adult immunizations, harm reduction services, walk-in services, and more.
Sage Memorial’s mobile units will serve eight locations within the Navajo Nation, including Ganado, Nazlini, Kinlichee, Klagetoh, Wide Ruin, Steamboat, Cornfields and Greasewood. Additionally, Sage Memorial Hospital has launched the Produce Prescription Pilot Program funded by a grant from the Indian Health Service. This program aims to improve food security and health care outcomes among Navajo Nation residents by providing access to fruits, vegetables and traditional Native American foods.
Through this program, families facing food insecurity or diabetes can opt to receive food deliveries from Sage Memorial or purchase food themselves using a loyalty card at the store. Barron emphasized that access to food is a major barrier for many individuals similar to accessing health care services. The program leverages traditional Native American foods to enhance health outcomes within the community.
The mapping photo courtesy of Mia Milinovich/Cronkite News shows Sage Memorial taking significant steps towards improving health care access and addressing food security issues across the Navajo Nation with their innovative mobile units and Produce Prescription Pilot Program.
