WHEREAS, rural and frontier communities in Nevada are wonderful places to live and work - they are places where people know each other, listen to and respect each other and work together to benefit their communities and places where great health professionals live and provide care; and

WHEREAS, rural and frontier Nevada is in critical need of Health Care Resources, Providers and Leaders; and

WHEREAS, it is important to recognize those current health care providers who not only serve the communities in which they live, but have also served or are currently serving our nation in one of the branches of the military; and

WHEREAS, it is important to take time to recognize those health care professionals, who have lived a life of service and provide a significant contribution in support of our local communities and our nation; and

WHEREAS, these health care professionals are critical in rural and frontier Nevada, where 9.7% percent of the Nevada's population lives in 86.9% of the state's land mass; and

WHEREAS, rural and frontier hospitals, services and clinics - in addition to being sources of innovation and resourcefulness that reach beyond geographical boundaries to deliver quality care - are also typically the economic foundation of their communities and have met those needs; and

WHEREAS, examples of such health care professionals and leaders have made those significant contributions as Veterans or current and active military and need to be recognized; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada State Office of Rural Health, Nevada Rural Hospital Partners and the National Association of State Offices of Rural Health play a distinct and critical role in leading efforts to address the unique healthcare needs of rural and frontier citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim November 16, 2023 as

RURAL HEALTH DAY IN NEVADA