City Announces Passing of Former Health Director Lopez

Published on March 03, 2025

Mayor and Health Director issue statements

City officials today announced that former Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Patricia “Pat” Lopez passed away on March 2, at her home in Lincoln after a valiant fight with a brief illness.

Lopez dedicated her career to public health, serving Lincoln and Lancaster County for decades. She first joined the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) in 1975 as a public health nurse and spent the next 29 years working to improve the health and well-being of residents, particularly those most vulnerable. She developed healthcare programs for Medicaid recipients, coordinated health stations in underserved areas, and led a skilled team of public health nurses before retiring in 2004.

After leaving LLCHD, Lopez remained deeply engaged in public health at the state and national levels. She played a key role in establishing Nebraska’s statewide public health system, served as president of the Public Health Association of Nebraska, and helped local health departments achieve national accreditation.

In 2019, Lopez was called back into service when Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird appointed her the interim director of LLCHD. What began as a temporary role soon became permanent as she guided Lincoln through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during the pandemic protected lives and 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. She later spearheaded initiatives including the Youth Substance Use Prevention Project and the Family Connects program, which provides newborns and families with access to public health nurses.

Lopez 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.

Statement from Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird:

"I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and trusted colleague, Pat Lopez. Pat was a steadfast protector of our community, a source of wisdom and strength in our most challenging moments, and a public health champion whose legacy will endure for generations.

Through the pandemic and beyond, Pat was my partner in guiding Lincoln through unprecedented times. Her steady hand, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our residents saved lives and strengthened our city. I will always remember the long hours we spent together, weighing impossible decisions, finding solutions, and supporting one another in the face of adversity.

Pat never sought the spotlight, yet her impact was profound. She gave everything she had to this community, not out of duty, but out of care.

I will miss her counsel, her leadership, and her friendship. My thoughts are with her beloved family, and with all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. Lincoln is a healthier, safer, and stronger place because of Pat Lopez."

Statement from Kerry Kernen, Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department Director:

“We’re very saddened to hear of former Director Pat Lopez’s passing. This is not only a great loss for Lincoln and Lancaster County, it is a great loss for Nebraska.

Pat’s passion for public health was evident throughout her 50-year career as was her commitment to this community. We were fortunate to have her at the helm of the Health Department, especially during the pandemic, and we will honor her memory as we continue doing the work she loved so much.”