Pima County, City of Tucson team up to paint “A” Mountain blue to honor healthcare workers

Tucson’s Sentinel Peak Park, also known as “A” Mountain, will be painted blue on Friday, May 8, in honor of local health-care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. This effort, led by Supervisor Sharon Bronson, Supervisor Betty Villegas, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz, will coincide with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week.

Pima County will provide the funding for the blue paint and Tucson Parks and Recreation staff will begin painting Friday morning. Healthcare workers from El Rio Community Health Center will also be on site.

Sharon Bronson, District 3 Supervisor:

“Nurses care for us our entire lives, in the womb, at birth, as children, as adults, as seniors and at the end of our lives. They are always there for us. In this time of peril, we need to be there for them. We honor them by painting A Mountain and lighting the Historic Courthouse blue. But they need us to also do our part to help them.  Please follow public health guidance to keep from spreading COVID-19. Wear a mask. Avoid going out in public if you can. Wash your hands. If you want to thank a nurse during Nurses Week, do these things and stop the spread of this terrible disease.” 

Betty Villegas, District 5 Supervisor:

“On behalf of Pima County District 5 and myself, we extend our gratitude to all nurses both locally and nationally for their courage, compassion, and dedication.  We sincerely appreciate their kindness, skills, and knowledge, as they provide care and comfort to our loved ones and our families. We also want to take this opportunity and extend a special thanks locally to our public health nurses who every day serve our community and are working hard to keep us all healthy and safe. I ask everyone to join us in helping them by continuing to follow safe distancing, by wearing our masks, and by washing our hands. It’s the least we can do to recognize their sacrifices.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero:

“My deepest gratitude goes to all of our nurses and medical professionals that are on frontlines of fighting this pandemic. Your selflessness and commitment to keeping our friends, family, and neighbors safe is an inspiration to our entire Tucson community and we will be forever grateful for your service. My thanks to Pima County for teaming up with the City of Tucson to make this effort happen to recognize all of the work and sacrifice that our nurses have made during this pandemic, and each and every day. The best way we can show our gratitude to our healthcare workers is by continuing to practice social distancing, limiting our travel, wearing a face covering in public, and following CDC and Pima County Health Department guidelines to slow the spread.”

Lane Santa Cruz, Ward 1 City Councilmember:

“I want to give a huge thank you to all of our nurses and nurse support staff for their sacrifices and dedication. As we reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, the vital role you play in the protection of our community is all the more apparent. Tucson is a healthier and safer place because of you.”

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