The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
Nez-Lizer declare “Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week”
“EMS Strong: Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow.”
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2020 as “Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week” to honor all emergency medical services teams including first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, fire fighters, police officers, emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency trauma technicians, educators and administrators, and volunteer members.
“Setting aside a week to recognize emergency medical services teams is not enough to thank our frontline warriors for everything that they do for our Navajo people, but we offer this proclamation as a small gesture to honor them. In many ways, they are the answers to our prayers and they are working miracles and saving lives especially during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation. All of you, along with your families are always in our prayers. They are ‘EMS Strong: Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow,” stated President Nez.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, President Nez and Vice President Lizer have visited with first responders, EMS teams, health care workers and other emergency response officials to thank and encourage them to remain strong and resilient. Many shared their stories and the extraordinary steps they are taking to protect themselves and their families, many of whom are temporarily living separately from their families to lower the risks associated with the virus.
“Tremendous sacrifices are being made by all first responders and emergency medical services teams, and we don’t hear about those sacrifices publicly. Each day, they go to work not knowing exactly what they will face, but they are ready for anything. We pray for their safety, health, and well-being physically, spiritually, and mentally,” said Vice President Lizer.
National EMS Week is also recognized across the country this week. The proclamation designates May 6 – 10 as Navajo Nation Nurses Appreciation Week across the Navajo Nation.