WHEREAS, rural and frontier communities in Nevada are exceptional places to live, characterized by a spirit of collaboration among citizens who work tirelessly to enhance their localities, the state, and the nation; and

WHEREAS, rural and frontier Nevada communities face significant challenges, including a critical shortage of healthcare providers, which impacts the well-being and quality of life of their residents; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to recognize and honor healthcare professionals who have rendered invaluable service and significantly contributed to supporting Nevada's underserved communities, often going above and beyond their call of duty; and

WHEREAS, these healthcare professionals are indispensable in rural and frontier Nevada, where 9.7% of the population resides across 86.9% of the state's land area, highlighting the unique challenges and importance of their work; and

WHEREAS, rural and frontier hospitals and clinics employing healthcare providers are hubs of innovation and resourcefulness, delivering quality care and serving as the economic backbone of their communities; 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, the Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC), established by the Nevada State Legislature in 1989, is celebrating its 35th anniversary of recruiting healthcare providers to rural, frontier, and underserved areas of the state, thereby addressing critical healthcare needs; and

WHEREAS, members of the Nevada Health Service Corps have made significant and lasting contributions to healthcare in these communities, and their dedication and service deserve to be recognized and celebrated; 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, underserved and frontier citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim November 21, 2024, as

RURAL HEALTH DAY IN NEVADA