GANADO, AZ – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer recently joined the Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors as they hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Ganado, AZ, to mark the start of construction of a new two-story hospital, medical office building, and on-site staff housing on the 18-acre site located west of the current hospital facility.
Delores Noble, Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors Chairwoman and Alden Joe, Interim CEO, also welcomed 24th Navajo Nation Council’s members Daniel Tso, who chairs the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee, Charlaine Tso, and Vince R. James, who represents the Ganado community.
President Nez and Vice President Lizer commended the Sage Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, staff and officials, and all of the frontline workers who continue to sacrifice and put themselves at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic to help others.
“Throughout this pandemic, our frontline warriors have gone above and beyond to respond to COVID-19 infections, to save lives, and to vaccinate our people,” said President Nez. “Vice President Lizer and I are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our warriors on the frontlines at Sage Memorial Hospital and other health care facilities at vaccination events throughout the Navajo Nation. This week, we 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. We are building our Nation and helping to push back on COVID-19 and other health care issues and modern-day monsters that impact our people. Congratulations to Sage Memorial Hospital, Ganado Chapter and surrounding communities.”
The new hospital development will create significant economic impacts for the Ganado area, creating new employment opportunities throughout construction. Once completed, the hospital will also create approximately 100 new jobs for Navajo people. The new facility will be approximately 40 percent larger than the current hospital and provide at least 40 hospital beds and expanded services.
“This groundbreaking is historic for the Navajo people and ensures that we will continue to provide much-needed relief for families near the community of Ganado,” said Vice President Lizer. “We congratulate everyone who is working hard throughout this global health pandemic and those who are working hard to make access to health care services readily available to our people. What we are hoping to do with a new hospital is create a wonderful facility that not only meets today’s needs, but tomorrow’s needs.”
“This is a great accomplishment for Sage Memorial Hospital and the surrounding communities,” said Alden Joe, Sage Memorial Hospital Interim CEO. “This is all for you and the patients we serve.” Officials also noted that 97 percent of Sage Memorial Hospital staff and employees have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
