Health department and Navajo Nation sign historic agreement

WINDOW ROCK, AZ – The Navajo Nation and the New Mexico Department of Health signed a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen data sharing and public health coordination between the two entities.

Among other measures, the agreement allows the Navajo Nation to access and analyze health data related to Tribal members to use to seek ways to improve health outcomes for the community.

The milestone agreement was formally signed May 1 in a ceremony in Window Rock, AZ, attended by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and personnel from both the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).

“Health has been one of my biggest priorities,” President Nygren said. “To make progress in life, you need to be aligned spiritually—whether through traditional values, Native American Church, or faith-based organizations. Whether it’s physical or mental health, you must stay on top of it to be the best mom, dad, student, or grandkid.”

President Nygren said through initiatives led by the Navajo Epidemiology Center, the Navajo Nation aims to improve health outcomes among its people “returning to the days when our grandparents lived to be over a hundred years old, free from preventable nutrition-related diseases, hantavirus, and other health issues.”

The Navajo Department of Health is highlighting its new initiative, “Navajos Healing Navajos,” which addresses systemic health challenges such as hantavirus, infant mortality, substance abuse, sexual health and more. This effort relies on data analysis and tracking.

"Data is powerful,” said Janet Johnson, NMDOH Tribal Liaison. “When shared responsibly and ethically, it becomes a vital tool for addressing health disparities and shaping culturally responsive programs. This agreement ensures data is used in a way that protects sensitive information and upholds Tribal sovereignty, while empowering leaders to make informed decisions.”

Johnson called the agreement “a symbol of mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all communities. It reflects the values of the State Tribal Collaboration Act and reinforces a government-to-government relationship rooted in transparency, self-determination, and accountability.”

Sherylene Yazzie, NDOH Executive Director, said, “This will enhance state and Tribal partnerships to provide healthier Tribal communities.”

Yazzie said the MOA outlines protocols for ethical, secure data use and establishes a framework for sustained collaboration between the Navajo Nation and NMDOH. It enables both governments to better understand community health trends, respond to emerging issues, and coordinate public health strategies that honor cultural values and priorities, she said.

Johnson said the signing ceremony is another step in building a “deepening partnership built on service, respect, and a shared purpose to protect the health of the people. This is a proud step forward—and a powerful example of what we can achieve together.”

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Se firma acuerdo histórico entre el departamento de salud y la Nación Navajo