Apache County Schedules Vital Records Outreach in Ganado, Chinle Jan 13-14

Apache County deployed its Office of Vital Records to the Navajo Nation on Jan. 13 in Ganado and Jan. 14 in Chinle to provide local access to birth and death certificates, record amendments and related services. The outreach brought county staff to the District II Administration Complex in Ganado at Hwy 264 and Chapter House Rd and to the District I Administration Complex in Chinle, adjacent to the Motor Vehicle Division, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

The county conducted the visits by appointment only, requiring residents to schedule through the Vital Records office at (928) 337-7525. On scheduled outreach days the office also accepted texts or voice messages at (928) 245-8461. Payment options available at the outreach were money orders and credit or debit cards; cash was not accepted. Fees charged were $20.00 per copy for birth or death certificates and $30.00 per copy for amendments.

Apache County framed the visits as part of a recurring outreach schedule through the year. Follow-up Ganado dates listed by the county include Feb. 10, Mar. 10 and Apr. 14. Chinle follow-up dates include Feb. 11, Mar. 11 and Apr. 15. County counter hours at the St. Johns office remain Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the office closed on Fridays. County staff contact is Stephanie Hannah, Vital Records, at (928) 337-7525.

Bringing vital records services onto the Navajo Nation reduces travel burdens for residents who otherwise must make long trips to St. Johns to obtain documents needed for school enrollment, benefits applications, tribal enrollment and other legal purposes. Access to certified birth and death certificates is also a practical step in resolving identification gaps that can affect participation in civic processes and access to public services.

At the same time, the appointment-only policy and the restriction against cash payments may create barriers for some residents who lack reliable phone service or banking access. The recurring schedule offers repeated opportunities through the year, but residents will need to plan ahead to secure an appointment and arrange acceptable payment.

For residents who missed the Jan. 13-14 visits, the county’s recurring schedule and the St. Johns counter hours provide alternatives. Planning ahead to call (928) 337-7525 or text (928) 245-8461 on outreach days will help ensure timely access to certificates and amendments. Continued outreach signals the county’s effort to make core records more accessible to Navajo Nation communities; effective use will depend on outreach communication and residents’ ability to meet the appointment and payment requirements.