San Juan Regional Medical Center - Health Topics in the Navajo Language

What is it?

Many Navajos who live on the reservation in the Four Corners area have little or no access to information on health topics in the Navajo language. Although most Navajos speak English, many speak English as a second language. To provide basic health information on subjects such as healthy eating, diabetes, diagnostic tests, and childhood immunizations to this population, San Juan Regional Medical Center provides regular radio broadcasts on a Navajo-language radio station. Two 10 minute segments, each on a different health topic, are prepared in English every month, and a Navajo-speaking nurse from San Juan Regional Medical Center translates and records them in the studio for broadcast. We also do a 60-second short topic each month.

Two elements that make this initiative a success are: 1) having a good source for relevant health information content; and 2) having a person who speaks Navajo as his or her first language and who is willing to take the time to translate and record the messages each month.

Who is it for?

Navajos who speak only Navajo or speak Navajo as their first language.

Why do they do it?

Native Americans suffer greater disease rates for many diseases than most other populations. Part of the problem is overcoming the language and distance barrier in providing health education.

Impact

The KNDN all-Navajo radio station (960 AM) has a broad coverage area including the Four Corners region and neighboring Native American reservations. The radio station is a major means of communication and information for this population.

Contact: Kathryn Pettijohn
Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: 505-609-2238
E-mail: ktracy@sjrmc.net