Sage Memorial Hospital is expanding its access to healthcare services through the deployment of mobile units across the Navajo Nation. These 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. The nurse practitioner and director of outpatient services and community health at Sage Memorial, Kathryn Barron, emphasized the hospital’s goal of providing comprehensive care through these mobile units.
Sage Memorial Hospital is serving eight locations within the Navajo Nation with its mobile units, including Ganado, Nazlini, Kinlichee, Klagetoh, Wide Ruin, Steamboat, Cornfields and Greasewood. Additionally, the hospital has launched a Produce Prescription Pilot Program aimed at improving food security and health care outcomes among Navajo Nation residents by providing access to fruits, vegetables and traditional Native American foods.
Access to food is a significant barrier for many individuals in similar fashion to accessing healthcare services. This program leverages traditional Native American foods to improve health outcomes within the community. 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.
The mapping photo courtesy of Mia Milinovich/Cronkite News illustrates that Sage Memorial Hospital is taking significant steps towards addressing health care access and food security issues across the Navajo Nation with its mobile units and innovative Produce Prescription Pilot Program. The hospital’s efforts are aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of local residents.
