GANADO, AZ – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez visited the construction site of the new Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, AZ, which will replace the old facility that was built in the early 1900’s. Upon completion, the new 40-bed facility will provide inpatient and outpatient health care services to over 23,000 local residents from the communities of Ganado, Kinlichee, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Lower Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Nazlini, and Steamboat.
Last November, President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer supported the Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors as they broke ground on the new two-story hospital, medical office building, and on-site staff housing on the 18-acre site located west of the current hospital facility.
The project has created over 200 full-time and part-time jobs, most of which are filled by members of the Navajo Nation. Once the new hospital is in operation, it will create approximately 100 new jobs for Navajo people. The new facility will be twice the size of the current facility along with apartment-style housing and family units for employees.
“This new hospital signifies progress and change for Ganado, surrounding communities, and the entire Navajo Nation,” said President Nez. “Past leaders and community members had a vision to create jobs, revenue, and build a nation and we are excited to be a part of history in the making. New development takes time and requires the collaboration of many individuals to make it a reality. I appreciate all of our past and present leaders, the Sage Memorial Hospital Board, and CEO Melinda White for their commitment and dedication.”
The Office of the President and Vice President is also lending its support to the project by working with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the Board to finalize a service line agreement for utility infrastructure and an access road to Highway 264. President Nez also met with Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Board Chair Delores Noble, and CEO Melinda White to receive updates and provide additional support.
“This is nation building and we are bringing our people home through the 200-plus jobs that have been created so far,” said President Nez. “Based on the vision and commitment of past leaders, we are carrying that vision forward and we will soon cross the finish line. The community of Ganado has a great future ahead.”
Last year, President Nez and Vice President Lizer also approved $2.6 million for new fire trucks and ambulances for the Ganado Fire District to provide more emergency response services for numerous communities. In August, $1.6 million was also approved by President Nez for a new senior and veterans center in Ganado.
Sage Memorial Hospital officials estimate that construction will be completed by September 2023 with full operations beginning in December 2023.
