Healthy People envisions a society in which all people can achieve their full potential for health and well-being across the lifespan. This Healthy People in Action guest post from Mr. Andy Deal, MPH, Health Promotion Disease Prevention Coordinator, Division of Healthy Living and Outreach, FDIHB, Inc., Tséhootsooí Medical Center and Ms. Danelle Lee, Health Promotion Disease Prevention Specialist, Division of Healthy Living and Outreach, FDIHB, Inc., Tséhootsooí Medical Center highlights how Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc.’s (FDIHB) “Just Move It” program brings that vision to life through Tribal self-determination. Empowered by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638), FDIHB draws on local leadership, Navajo cultural traditions, and community partnerships to promote wellness across generations.
Every summer, communities across the Navajo Nation come alive with movement, joy, and connection through a local favorite event, Just Move It (JMI). This popular 5k walk and run series is hosted by Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. (FDIHB Inc.) Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) Department, which is part of Healthy Living & Outreach Division.
FDIHB Inc. commitment to health is an ongoing journey aimed at eliminating chronic diseases, addressing health disparities, and fostering healthier communities. Since 2011, JMI has grown into more than just a physical activity. It has become a cherished tradition of how community-driven wellness can thrive.
From May through June, JMI events take place across local communities across the FDIHB Inc. service delivery area, attracting over 3,000 participants. Each event features a 3-mile out and back course designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities. You’ll see families pushing strollers, elders walking arm-in-arm with caretakers, youth running alongside teammates, and devoted walkers and runners, all sharing the same trail, the same encouragement, and the same joy.
Safety and customer service guide every decision, from trail selection to volunteer coordination. Local chapters and community partners collaborate with FDIHB Inc. – HPDP to prepare each site, ensuring ample parking for more than 100 vehicles and selecting trails that accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids. To enhance the experience, our dedicated team coordinates efforts among staff, volunteers, tribal programs, and public health nurses. We use two-way radios to keep communication seamless, and our FDIHB Inc. mobile unit stands ready to provide first aid for heat exhaustion, sprains, and muscle cramps. We offer healthy refreshments at the finish line to celebrate the achievement of walkers and runners.
The kickoff event highlights elders and individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, ensuring that JMI remains inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The spirit of unity is integrated into every aspect of the program, including this year’s gold-yellow event T-shirt. It is more than a shirt, it symbolizes our rich Navajo culture, representing elements of life such as the corn pollen and sunlight, all tied together with the motto T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego (It is up to you). Many participants collect shirts from other service units, creating colorful keepsakes of summers spent moving together.
JMI thrives because of collaboration. Thanks to the Healthy Diné Nation Act funds generated from the Navajo Nation’s junk food tax, we are able to promote healthy foods and physical activity at each event. Families attend with infants, toddlers, teens, and elders. Cross-country teams train together, caretakers walk hand in hand with loved ones, and dedicated runners and walkers track their pace and distance. No matter the weather, rain or wind, the trail becomes a place of encouragement, connection, and purpose.
At FDIHB Inc. – HPDP, we believe your voice matters. That is why we collect participation surveys at every event we host. Feedback helps shape future JMI experiences, ensuring the program continues to grow as a safe, fun, and positive experience for all.
Just Move It is more than a walk or run, it is a celebration of health, culture, and community. It brings people together, encourages movement, strengthens wellness, honors tradition, and creates memories families look forward to every summer. Across the FDIHB Inc. service delivery area and the Navajo Nation, JMI is making strides, and we are dedicated to inspiring movement in our communities, one-step at a time.
