Sage Memorial Hospital is expanding access to health care through its mobile units, which are now serving eight locations within the Navajo Nation. 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 Hospital has also initiated a Produce Prescription Pilot Program that aims to improve food security and health care outcomes among Navajo Nation residents. Funded by a grant from the Indian Health Service, this program provides access to fruits, vegetables, and traditional Native American foods. 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.
Access to food is a major barrier for many individuals, similar to accessing health care services. Barron highlighted that this program leverages traditional Native American foods to enhance health outcomes within the community. Through its mobile units and innovative programs like this one, Sage Memorial Hospital is taking significant steps to address health care access and food security issues across the Navajo Nation.
