March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center® brings maternity care closer to families on the Navajo Nation in Arizona

GANADO, Ariz., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, today announced the launch of its newest Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center® on the Navajo Nation, bringing prenatal, postpartum, and infant care directly to families in rural Navajo communities. Operated in clinical partnership with Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH), a Navajo-operated health system in Ganado, the center is March of Dimes's first mobile health center developed in partnership with a tribal health system. It was made possible through the generous support of Mercy Care and the Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Program, and is the third center in Arizona, joining units in Tucson and Phoenix.

American Indian and Alaska Native communities have long drawn on cultural knowledge, traditional practices, language, family relationships, and community values to support healthy mothers and babies. These strengths continue to foster resilience and well-being across generations. However, historical and systemic inequities, including the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma, along with persistent barriers to culturally responsive care in rural and Tribal communities, continue to shape the reality of maternal and infant health outcomes of today.

In Arizona, American Indian and Alaska Native babies are born preterm at a higher rate than white infants, and barriers to care leave American Indian and Alaska Native moms more than twice as likely to receive late or no prenatal care (14.1% vs. 6.0%). American Indian and Alaska Native women also experience the highest rate of pregnancy-related death in the state, about five times that of white women. Statewide, most pregnancy-related deaths occur after birth, many between six weeks and one year postpartum, and the vast majority are preventable.

"These disparities reflect inequities in health care access and systems, not a lack of strength or resilience within Native families. Addressing them requires approaches that respect Tribal sovereignty, honor cultural knowledge, and reflect community priorities," said Shadie Tofigh, National Director, Maternal & Child Health Collective Impact, March of Dimes. "Currently on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, there are only three hospitals with obstetric services. This forces families to travel farther, causing moms to start prenatal care later and often miss postpartum care altogether. In partnership with Sage Memorial Hospital, we will provide care that respects each family's traditions and choices, closer to home."

The mobile health center will serve as a primary healthcare provider for women of childbearing age (15–44). Services will follow families across the continuum of care, from well-woman visits before pregnancy to prenatal care, postpartum checkups, lactation support and well-baby care. Health screenings, including perinatal mood screening, health education and referrals are provided throughout. During its first months, the center will rotate among chapter houses and community sites in Ganado, Steamboat, Greasewood Springs, Cornfields, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Nazlini, and Kinlichee. SMH will refine the schedule over time based on where families can most easily access care. Current locations and hours will be posted here.

Families receiving care through the center will also receive a perinatal welcome kit and educational resources, including "My Indigenous Pregnancy Journey," a culturally tailored pregnancy booklet. Developed with the National Indian Health Board and Indigenous maternal health advisors, the booklet includes space to track healthcare visits and emotional well-being. Each welcome kit will also include a blood pressure cuff to support at-home monitoring for warning signs of complications, such as preeclampsia, along with essential items for pregnancy and newborn care.

"Every mother deserves to feel supported, and every family deserves a caring team as they welcome a new baby. This mobile health center will bring care closer to home for families on the Navajo Nation, supporting mothers throughout pregnancy and caring for moms and babies together after birth. We want families to feel heard, respected, and supported in the choices that matter to them." said Matthew Nelson, DO (FM/OB), MPH, Director of Women and Infant Services, Sage Memorial Hospital.

"Strong relationships with Tribal communities are built over time, by listening and following community priorities," noted Betty John, Tribal Liaison, Mercy Care. "The partnership between March of Dimes and Sage Memorial Hospital shows what's possible when a national leader in maternal health and a trusted Navajo hospital work together. We're proud to help make this center possible and look forward to seeing it grow in the years ahead," continued Debbie Hillman, Chief Administrative Officer, Mercy Care.

The center's ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held today, November 10 at 11am at Sage Memorial Hospital, 191 AZ-264, Ganado, AZ 86505, marking the start of Prematurity Awareness Month.

Visit the March of Dimes website to learn more about maternal and infant health in Arizona, including the Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center®, the 2026 Report Card, and the latest maternity care deserts report, "Nowhere to Go."

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org for more information in multiple languages.

About Sage Memorial Hospital

Navajo Health Foundation–Sage Memorial Hospital, Inc. (SMH) is a private, nonprofit healthcare organization located in Ganado, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. Governed by an all-Navajo Board of Directors, Sage operates a Critical Access Hospital and rural health clinics and provides a range of healthcare services and community-based programs, including behavioral health, rehabilitation, Traditional Healing, telehealth, and outreach. Sage's mission is to provide quality healthcare for the Diné people with respect, unity, beauty, and harmony in honor of K'é and the sacredness of life.

About Mercy Care

Mercy Care is a local Arizona health plan serving people enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, and other government-sponsored health care programs since 1985.  We are committed to walking alongside children, adults, seniors, people with disabilities and others facing serious health challenges to support their health, independence, and quality of life.  We are Arizona-led, pairing local accountability and relationships with national expertise, technology, analytics, and support.   

SOURCE March of Dimes