A large crowd gathered Wednesday to dedicate a new hospital that will serve a population of about 20,000 in the Kayenta area.
At nearly 180,000 square feet, it's five times bigger than the current health center that was built in 1959.
The new $150 million hospital is expected to be fully operational this summer. It includes staff quarters, surgical and birthing units, and wellness and physical therapy centers.
It also will house programs under the Navajo Department of Health.
Indian Health Service officials say the services should help improve the health of residents in the area.
Several Navajo families agreed to allow land within their grazing areas to be used to build the hospital.
