Snow Storm Limiting Health Delivery on Navajo Nation

Published January 1, 2019

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. —  Due to a snow storm that is making its way through the Navajo Nation, the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. (FDIHB), which operates the Tséhootsooí Medical Center (TMC) and Nihi Dine’é Bá Wellness Center (NDBWC) in Fort Defiance, and the Náhat’á Dziil Health Center (NDHC) in Sanders is operating on limited capacity.

The Emergency Department and the inpatient wards at TMC will remain open. NDHC and NDBWC are closed until Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

 “Our main priority is the safety of our patients and employees” states Dr. Jerome Alford, Acting CEO. “We want our staff to get home safely and also our patients the opportunity to reschedule their appointments so that they are not taking to the icy roads.”

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning from 10 am Monday, December 31, 2018 through 5 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. The warning states that heavy snow fall is expected in some areas of the Navajo Nation. A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

To reach the clinics please call, 928.729.8000 or the Primary Care Clinic at 928.729.8032 or 8034.