Navajo Nation and New Mexico strengthen health data sharing

The Navajo Nation and the New Mexico Department of Health signed a May 1 Memorandum of Agreement in Window Rock, Arizona, to enhance public health coordination and data sharing, according to an NM Health news release. The agreement allows the Navajo Nation to access and analyze health data on tribal members to support outcomes such as those under the “Navajos Healing Navajos” initiative.

NMDOH Tribal Liaison Janet Johnson was quoted as saying the agreement “ensures data is used in a way that protects sensitive information.” Sherylene Yazzie, executive director of the Navajo Department of Health, said the memorandum establishes a framework for public health collaboration.