SCAHC Breaks Ground on Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facility

Peridot, AZ – The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation (SCAHC) held a groundbreaking ceremony
yesterday for its planned long-term care and skilled nursing facility in Peridot. The event marked the
beginning of construction of the 135,167-square foot facility, costing an estimated $134 million. Work is
expected to last 24 months with an estimated opening date of December 2026.
During yesterday’s groundbreaking event, SCAHC unveiled the facility’s name—the Sadie Kniffin Long
Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facility—honoring Sadie Stevens Kniffin who was the first San Carlos
Apache registered nurse. She had settled in San Carlos after attending a nursing program in Chinle,
Arizona, working at the San Carlos Indian Hospital.
“The long-term care and skilled nursing facility will provide Apaches with the care they need without
having to leave their community,” said Steve Titla, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SCAHC. “We
are committed to our vision of Apaches Healing Apaches and there is no one who embodies this more
than Sadie Kniffin. Naming this new facility after Sadie honors her legacy and will inspire a new
generation of Apaches to pursue a career in nursing, hopefully one day right here in San Carlos.”
During the groundbreaking event, Isaiah Belknap, Deputy CEO of SCAHC, served as master of
ceremonies and Luther Morgan, pastor of New Life Restoration Church, provided the opening prayer.
Speakers included SCAHC CEO Vicki Began, SCAHC Board of Directors Chairman Steve Titla, San
Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler, and CEO of Willmeng, James Murphy, among others.
Once completed, the facility will include 100 total beds and will incorporate an administration center,
long term care, memory care, skilled nursing, and hospice department. This new facility will create more
than 150 permanent jobs within SCAHC. The general contractor on this project is Willmeng Construction
and the architect is Cuningham; both are out of Phoenix.
“We are thrilled to be one step closer to offering long term care and other specialty services for our
patients,” said Began. “The groundbreaking is more than a formal ceremony; it is a reminder that the San
Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation is committed to creating a strong, healthy community for all
Apaches. The Sadie Kniffin Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facility is the fulfillment of a promise
we made when we first opened our doors in 2015: to heal, serve, and empower the Ndee.”

Press Release