LONG TIME NNA MEMBER Patricia “Pat” Lopez passed away on March 2 at her home in Lincoln after a short illness. Pat was honored by the NNA as Nurse of the Year in 2021 for her work as Director at the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department where her career spanned decades in public health.

She provided unparalleled leadership in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a coordinated response to the pandemic with collaboration with multiple entities that made Lancaster County one of the safest counties of its size, with some of the lowest mortality rates and highest vaccination rates in the nation.

Pat was widely respected as a mentor, advocate, and leader in public health. Her career was defined by a commitment to evidence-based strategies, public service, and compassion for others.

Pat is survived by her husband Joe, daughter Nicole, and grandsons Owen and Kendric.