Under President Buu Nygren’s administration, the Navajo Nation has made one of the largest investments in behavioral health and substance use recovery services in its history. Through the creation of the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center (YHC) in Phoenix and the acquisition of transitional housing for individuals completing treatment, the Nation is building a comprehensive recovery system rooted in Diné values, culture, and healing.
The Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center represents a historic milestone as the first Navajo Nation-owned residential substance use treatment facility located outside the Navajo Nation. Built on the philosophy of “Navajo healing Navajo,” the Center combines Diné teachings, traditional healing practices, and evidence-based treatment to help relatives overcome substance use disorders while reconnecting with their culture, identity, and purpose.
For many years, Navajo citizens seeking treatment often relied on programs that did not incorporate Diné values, ceremonies, or traditional teachings. The YHC was created to change that reality by providing culturally grounded care designed specifically for Navajo people. The 92-bed facility has already served more than 100 Navajo relatives and continues expanding programs to meet growing needs. Future plans include expanded detoxification services, psychiatric care, intensive outpatient treatment, and additional recovery support programs.
Recognizing that recovery does not end when treatment is completed, the Navajo Nation also finalized the purchase of a $4.9 million apartment complex in downtown Phoenix to provide transitional housing for individuals leaving residential treatment. The fully furnished complex offers a safe and stable environment where residents can continue their recovery journey while maintaining access to supportive services and healthcare resources.
Together, the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center and transitional housing initiative create a continuum of care that guides relatives from treatment to recovery and long-term stability. This investment closes one of the most critical gaps in recovery by ensuring individuals have support not only during treatment, but also as they rebuild their lives afterward.
The Navajo Nation is also pursuing additional resources to strengthen these efforts, including a request for $4 million in Arizona opioid settlement funding to expand detoxification services, treatment capacity, recovery programs, and aftercare support.
The Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center and transitional housing initiative stand as major accomplishments under President Nygren’s administration and reflect a commitment to ensuring Navajo people have access to culturally appropriate care when and where they need it most.
President Nygren remains committed to advocating for additional treatment centers, expanded behavioral health services, and stronger recovery resources so that more Navajo relatives can access the support, healing, and opportunities they deserve. For those struggling with substance use, help is available, recovery is possible, and no one has to walk that journey alone.
For more information, visit the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center: https://navajo-yhc.com
Phone: (928) 212-2273
