LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS National Office

2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-6130 (202) 833-6135 PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release March 27, 2002

Contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa 202-833-6130

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) applauds President George W. Bush's nomination of Arizona trauma surgeon Richard Carmona for surgeon general. Carmona, a long-time member of LULAC Council #1057 of Tucson, AZ, has been a pioneer in critical public health delivery and a powerful voice for Hispanic issues. He created the first trauma care system for southern Arizona in 1985.

"We are very proud that one of our own has been chosen as the nominee for surgeon general by President Bush. Richard Carmona marries theory and practice with utmost skill. In this time of national crisis, his expertise in community preparedness for future threats would help to assure that the nation's public and private sector health care systems are prepared for any emergency," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President.

Carmona has repeatedly taken on leadership roles in health care and was appointed by Governor Jane Dee Hull to the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners. He is a Clinical Professor of Surgery, Public Health, and Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona. He is also the Chairman of the State of Arizona's Southern Regional Emergency Medical System.

"Richard Carmona is a great friend. He leads by example. His nomination is something we should all celebrate. He knows the Latino community and has dealt with our problems first hand through emergency services," said Richard Fimbres, LULAC National Vice President for the Far West. "He will bring fresh ideas to find solutions to problems, as opposed to simply applying band-aids to the critical health concerns our country faces."

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.