FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2020
President Nez and Vice President Lizer sign $4 million appropriation to help fight the spread of COVID-19
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Friday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer took quick action to sign Resolution CMA-06-20, approving a $4 million appropriation that will be directed to the Navajo Department of Health to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation and deliver much-needed resources and equipment to health care experts and emergency response personnel on the ground. The funding will provide medical supplies, food and water supplies, equipment, public outreach, and more.
“The $4 million appropriation will help our first responders, health care experts, and emergency officials to protect our communities, while we continue to seek assistance from federal and state agencies and others. The federal government is not expediting the release of funds that have already been approved by Congress, so our Navajo government is stepping up to help the people most in need of resources and assistance,” said President Nez.
He also stated that each individual on the Navajo Nation has to take it upon themselves to stay home, self-isolate, and avoid person-to-person contact to protect themselves and each other.
“When we isolate ourselves, we isolate the virus. In other parts of the world, we’re starting to see that self-isolation is slowing the spread of COVID-19. Our people have to stay home and let the health care and emergency experts do their jobs,” added President Nez.
The 24th Navajo Nation Council voted 22-0 on Friday to approve the $4 million request after they voted down a separate legislation on Monday requesting $3 million. During the special session on Friday, President Nez provided updates on the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Preparedness Team.
“We thank the Council for their support of the funding measure. We ask for prayers and support for our first responders and many others who are on the ground helping in our communities,” stated Vice President Lizer.
The Office of the President and Vice President will provide an update on the number of positive COVID-19 cases involving members of the Navajo Nation when the information is confirmed and received. As of Thursday, there were 14 confirmed cases involving members of the Navajo Nation.
###
Indian Health Service Announces New Deputy Director for Quality Health Care and Enterprise Risk Management (Indian Health Service)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
White House Office of Management and Budget (Joe Biden Administration)
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (Arizona, Navajo Nation)
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Navajo Nation Town Hall (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
Tribal organizations statement on advance appropriations for Indian Health Service
Indian Health Service Statement on Advance Appropriations (Department of Health and Human Services)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)