The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives (MMDR) Task Force convened Friday to receive a detailed report from the Yideeskąądi Hózhoojí Center (YHC), a Navajo Nation–owned residential treatment facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
The presentation highlighted the center’s services, growth, and its role in supporting Navajo individuals and families impacted by substance use and related challenges.
“As a Task Force, we are committed to strengthening services that protect and heal our people,” said Task Force Chair Amber Kanazbah Crotty. “The work being done at YHC consists of culturally grounded care, community partnerships, and accountability. This effort addresses the root causes that contribute to the MMDR crisis and supports our relatives on their path to healing.”
Members of the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council, including Louvannina Tsosie, Yanabah Smith, and Daelyn Benally, attended the meeting to observe, learn, and contribute to ongoing efforts addressing the crisis.
YHC Partnerships and Communications Specialist Levi Long and Outreach Specialist Larita Anderson presented the report, offering an overview of the facility, which opened in September 2025. In its first six months, the center has served more than 200 Navajo individuals and supported over 40 graduates through its residential treatment program. The facility has since expanded to accommodate more than 60 residents, reflecting growing demand for culturally responsive care.
YHC provides a 60- to 90-day residential treatment program followed by intensive outpatient care, including home visits and continued support after discharge. The center integrates traditional Diné healing practices with clinical treatment, incorporating talking circles, cultural art activities, family therapy, and the Navajo Wellness Model.
During the discussion, Task Force members raised questions about how the center is addressing community concerns and expanding its reach.
MMDR Task Force Co-Chair Tatyana Billy pointed to the impact of fraudulent sober living homes that have affected many Navajo families in the Phoenix area. “After the fraudulent sober living homes in Phoenix, how does YHC plan or is currently working towards assisting our relatives who are struggling to trust another rehabilitation center,” asked Co-Chair Billy.
Anderson emphasized that rebuilding trust is central to the center’s mission. She explained that admissions staff are trained to understand the lived experiences of individuals impacted by those incidents and work closely with families to advocate for their loved ones. Transparency in operations and culturally familiar staff interactions are key strategies in restoring confidence.
Youth Advisory Council member Louvannina Tsosie asked about expanding partnerships with organizations serving Navajo populations outside the Navajo Nation.
Long responded that YHC is already collaborating with urban Indian organizations in Arizona, including the Phoenix Indian Center, and is open to building additional partnerships to better serve Navajo citizens living off the reservation.
The report also underscored YHC’s coordination with Navajo Nation public safety agencies and correctional programs to provide treatment opportunities for justice-involved individuals. The center has also developed specialized outreach for veterans, including partnerships connected to the John McCain Veterans Center and targeted programming within its outpatient services.
Following the presentation, the MMDR Task Force voted unanimously, seven in favor and none opposed, to accept the report.
The Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to working with service providers, community organizations, and Navajo Nation leadership to expand access to resources and address the underlying causes connected to missing and murdered Diné relatives.