PRESS RELEASE
Nez Helps Cut Ribbon for New Hospital Serving Rural Arizona
FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Jonathan Nez and his wife Phefelia today celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Echo Cliffs Health Center in Bodaway-Gap, Arizona, a $170-million facility Nez helped advance as Navajo Nation President and Vice President.
“We are proud to see this critical healthcare facility open its doors to serve Bodaway-Gap, Coppermine, and surrounding communities. This project is the result of years of teamwork, commitment to rural Arizonans, and hard work,” said Nez. “The communities’ prayers were answered today as this facility will expand access to care and create new opportunities for everyone, especially young people, in rural Arizona. I will always fight for our small communities.”
As Navajo Nation President & Vice President, Nez worked with Arizona’s congressional delegation to secure federal appropriations for the project, helping move the facility forward. Nez served on the Facilities Appropriations Advisory Board, which advises the Indian Health Service Director on facility-related appropriations and construction projects in Indian Country.
The Echo Cliffs Health Center is among four medical facilities advancing through efforts during Nez’s tenure, alongside projects in Dilkon, Pueblo Pintado, and Gallup Indian Medical Center. He also helped secure projects for staffing quarters at medical facilities in Kayenta and Crownpoint.
Nez worked with local and tribal leadership to get the landmark project across the finish line.
As Medicaid cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act threaten healthcare access in rural and tribal communities, Nez’s record of working to expand medical infrastructure underscores his commitment to ensuring rural Arizonans have access to the care they need.
SEE ALSO: