Kayenta Indian Health Service

04/01/2026

03/27/2026

At 10:00 am ET, the Indian Health Service will host the 2024 IHS Director’s Awards ceremony: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch/c2e0ceff-2141-11f1-9f14-124f0a52e769

This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, dedication, and talent across the IHS. In recognition of exceptional work during calendar year 2024, more than 300 individuals and teams will be recognized. These nominations came from all parts of the Indian health system, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and a deep respect for the work we do together in service to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

02/25/2026

02/18/2026

✅ Community Update – February 18, 2026

Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital (KARH) has restored full services and lifted the Trauma Divert, including Obstetrics (OB) status, effective immediately.

🔹 The Emergency Department is fully operational.
🔹 Trauma and OB services have resumed.
🔹 Facility-wide face mask requirements have been discontinued. Masks are optional for patients, staff, and visitors.

The hospital’s HVAC system has been fully repaired, tested, and confirmed to be operating safely.

We sincerely thank our community for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this temporary service disruption. KARH remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all who seek our services.

For questions, please contact Brandon Smith, Public Information Officer, at (928) 697-5301/5300.

02/11/2026

✅ Community Update – February 18, 2026

Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital (KARH) has restored full services and lifted the Trauma Divert, including Obstetrics (OB) status.

For questions, please contact Brandon Smith, Public Information Officer, at (928) 697-5301/5300.

# # #

🚨 Community Update – February 11, 2026 🚨

Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital (KARH) is currently on Trauma Divert, including Obstetrics (OB), due to urgent HVAC system repairs.

🔹 The Emergency Department remains open and will continue to see patients.
🔹 Trauma and OB patients will be stabilized and then transferred to a higher level of care.
🔹 A facility-wide face mask requirement is in effect for the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

This status will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be shared as conditions change.

For medical emergencies, please call 911 or seek care at the nearest medical facility.

For questions, please contact Brandon Smith, Public Information Officer, at (928) 697-5301/5300.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

01/30/2026

The Indian Health Service is launching the largest hiring initiative in the history of the federal agency. This unprecedented hiring push represents a historic investment in rebuilding and strengthening the IHS workforce and reflects the urgency for recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals in critical positions throughout the agency.

“With a near 30 percent vacancy rate across the IHS, our top priority is filling vacancies for positions essential to keeping our health care facilities operating smoothly, especially in some of the more rural and remote locations,” said IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton. “Our friends, families, and relatives need the best available health care providers who are focused on our shared goal of raising the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level, and this hiring initiative will go far in helping us accomplish that goal. This is an exciting time to join the Indian Health Service.”

With the full support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Kennedy, the IHS worked diligently to complete a comprehensive workforce plan for this hiring effort.

Read more: https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2026-press-releases/indian-health-service-launches-largest-hiring-effort-in-agency-history/

01/15/2026

Holiday Closure Notice

Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital (KARH) will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

🚑 The KARH Emergency Department will remain OPEN
If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911.

01/01/2026

As we look ahead to 2026, we take a moment to reflect on the meaningful progress achieved over the past year. Through the dedication and leadership of our workforce, the Indian Health Service continues to strengthen health care delivery for American Indians and Alaska Natives, while deepening partnerships with tribal nations, veterans, and Native organizations. Over the year, the agency advanced key priorities, including improvements in tribal consultation, expanded access to services, and efforts to support workforce stability and culturally grounded care.

We recognize and appreciate the collective commitment shown across the Indian health system in addressing complex challenges and remain focused on the needs of the communities we serve. These efforts have helped ensure that programs, policies, and investments remain aligned with tribal priorities and long-term system improvement.

As we enter a new year, we remain confident that continued collaboration and shared purpose will lead to even greater progress in 2026. We extend our sincere thanks to all staff for their service and dedication and offer best wishes for a healthy, successful, and productive New Year.

12/31/2025

🎆 Holiday Closure Notice 🎆

Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital (KARH) will be closed on Thursday, January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day.

🚑 The KARH Emergency Department will remain OPEN
If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish our community a safe and healthy New Year! ✨

12/30/2025

💊 Need a prescription refill?

Please allow 24 hours for us to process all medication refills.

📅 Important holiday reminder:
➡️ Please submit your refill request Tuesday, December 30, OR
➡️ Pick up your medication before our New Year’s Day closure, OR
➡️ Plan to pick up on Friday, January 2.

📞 Questions?
Call Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital Pharmacy at (928) 697-4000.

Thank you for helping us serve you better, and we wish everyone a safe and healthy New Year! 🎉

12/23/2025

Kayenta Service Unit Extends Condolences
Following Tragic Incident at Kayenta Township Light Parade

Kayenta, AZ –The Kayenta Service Unit (KSU) extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones impacted by the tragic incident that occurred during the recent Kayenta Township Light Parade. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving during this difficult time.

Kayenta Service Unit’s emergency and clinical teams responded promptly to care for individuals who arrived at our facility following the incident. Our staff worked closely with Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services and community partners to ensure patients received timely and compassionate care, including coordination for those requiring a higher level of medical support.

We recognize the profound impact this event has had on families and friends and the broader Kayenta community. During this time of mourning and healing, we respectfully ask for continued compassion, understanding, and privacy for those affected.

If you or a loved one needs support, please contact the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health Services by calling 928-697-3766 (8am to 5pm) or please call 928-551-0624 or 928-551-0566 after normal business hours.

Kayenta Service Unit stands with the community and remains committed to supporting healing, wellness, and recovery. We are grateful to the first responders, healthcare professionals, and all community members who came together to support one another in this moment of need.

For additional information, please feel free to contact Brandon Smith, Kayenta Service Unit Public Information Officer, at (928) 697-5300/5301

12/23/2025

Norovirus Awareness and Prevention Tips
Kayenta, AZ – Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that may include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms can develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most people get better within 1 to 3 days. Because diarrhea and vomiting can occur many times a day, Norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Anyone can get Norovirus. It can spread very easily between sick individuals, through contaminated food, water, or contaminated surfaces.

If You Are Sick and Feel Like You Are Getting Better:
You can stay home as long as you are feeling better. If you still have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stay home for at least 2 days after symptoms are gone.
Protect Yourself and Others:
• Practice proper hand hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before preparing or eating food, and before giving medicine. Hand sanitizer is your second choice if hand washing is not available. Wash your hands immediately after when you can.
• Handle and prepare food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking. Keep sick children out of food preparation areas.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces: Immediately clean and disinfect areas contaminated by vomiting or diarrhea. Wipe down kitchen surfaces, utensils, and counters with paper towels or clean cloths
and throw away or wash in hot water after one use
• Do not prepare food while sick: Avoid preparing food for others
• Do not care for others while you are sick: Wait 2 days after you do not have symptoms to care for others.
• Wash laundry thoroughly: Remove and wash clothing or linens contaminated by vomit or f***s right away. Wear gloves when handling soiled items, wash hands with soap and water
afterwards, and use hot water in hot water when doing your laundry.
Taking these steps will help prevent the spread of Norovirus and will protect you and our community.
For more information, contact your health care provider or contact Brandon Smith Kayenta Service
Unit Public Information Officer, at 928-697-5300.