U.S. Rep. Ben Ray LujánCONGRESSIONAL News:
SANTA FE ― Tuesday evening, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, received the “School-Based Health Care Champion” award from the New Mexico Alliance for School-Based Health Care organization at their 20th Anniversary Award Ceremony.
This award recognizes leaders in the advancement of health care programs and services for students in their school environments, and highlights Congressman Luján’s efforts to expand health care access and improve health care services for New Mexicans.
“The health of our students is paramount to their success at school – students deserve to feel safe and healthy at their place of learning, and they should have the necessary tools they need to achieve their goals. From creating school-based health centers to combating the opioid crisis, I am proud to have worked alongside so many health care champions to advance these critical initiatives,” Luján said. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award. For me, this recognition is about investing in New Mexico children and our future. Together, we can continue these efforts to improve the lives of New Mexicans.”
An excerpt from Luján’s remarks as prepared for delivery are included below:
“Thank you to the New Mexico Alliance for School-Based Health Care for this recognition – I’m humbled beyond words.
It’s not often that public service is recognized. Often, the good work done by the people in this room and by public servants is overlooked for the flashy headlines.
Ours is gritty work. It’s taxing, it’s laborious, it’s hard work. But it’s also important work.
There’s nothing more important than ensuring that our children are healthy and safe.
There’s nothing more important than ensuring that our children are healthy and safe. You’re on the front lines for children – you are their champions.
So, while I might be here to receive this award, it’s your work that truly deserves the recognition.
You’re teaching the next generations the value of kindness and respect. You’re helping build a future where students can rise to every opportunity they can imagine.”
