Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice is pleased to announce the Utah Navajo Health System, Community Advocacy Team (UNHS/CAT) as the recipient of the 2020 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Salt Lake City Division. Each year, FBI field offices nominate individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their communities through service.

On Wednesday, July 14th, during a special ceremony in Montezuma Creek, Utah, SAC Rice recognized UNHS/CAT with this honor.

The UNHS/CAT serves the Navajo Nation communities in southeastern Utah to include the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe community at White Mesa. The organization assists individuals who have suffered financial loss, physical injuries, and emotional trauma as a result of violent crime. The program helps victims recover and rebuild their lives by facilitating shelter, providing safety planning, conducting crisis intervention, making referrals, and finding resources.

In 2020, despite challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, UNHS/CAT provided critical services to 220 clients, to include: providing patients with cell phones, enabling them to communicate with Crime Victim Advocates, the FBI, and medical providers; providing victims with care packages containing essentials like livestock feed, firewood, clothing, blankets, food, hygiene, and cleaning supplies; providing safe temporary shelters for victims in need; providing transportation for victims to Salt Lake City for court hearings.

“Navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justices process can be daunting for victims, and they should never have to do it alone,” said SAC Rice. “The Utah Navajo Health System not only provides essential services, but helps build trust and cooperation with victims
which, in turn, strengthens law enforcement’s ability to investigate crimes and prosecute criminals.”

The dedication and passion of Utah Navajo Health Systems, Community Advocacy Team helps empower crime victims. The FBI is proud to honor their service with the designation as the Salt Lake City Division 2020 DCLA recipient.