Sage Memorial Hospital & Medical Office Building

Sage Memorial Hospital marks a significant step forward in rural healthcare design and delivery. Serving 23,000 residents across a 27,000-square-mile region of the Navajo Nation, it is the first Native American-managed private, nonprofit healthcare system in the United States. The facility combines advanced medical technology with Diné (Navajo) cultural values, creating a space that respects traditions while addressing modern healthcare needs.

The new campus replaces a 1911-era hospital with a 95,000-square-foot, 25-bed critical access hospital. It includes emergency services, surgery, labor and delivery, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, a cardiac lab, dialysis center, an inpatient pharmacy, and a helipad for emergency transport. The design balances operational efficiency with the patient experience, replacing shared spaces with private treatment and exam rooms and incorporating shell space for a planned 10-bed inpatient behavioral health unit.

A 38,000-square-foot medical office building next to the hospital provides vital outpatient services, including primary and specialty care, behavioral health, optometry, dental care, and a retail pharmacy. By integrating these services on one campus, the design improves accessibility and reduces the need for long-distance travel for routine and specialty care.

The campus reflects Diné principles of balance, respect, and unity. A circular courtyard at its center serves as a gathering space, promoting connection and fostering a sense of community. The design seamlessly blends cultural significance with practical functionality, creating a modern facility deeply rooted in Navajo heritage.

To address challenges in recruiting and retaining staff in rural areas, the project includes on-site housing with a 26-unit apartment complex planned for expansion. This housing supports healthcare workers by providing convenient, high-quality accommodations, helping to mitigate the effects of physician shortages and high turnover rates common in remote regions.

Sage Memorial Hospital meets the unique needs of the Navajo Nation by bringing quality, accessible healthcare to an underserved area, making it a vital resource for the community.