Statement from Dennis Rivera, Chair of SEIU Healthcare Regarding the Passing of Cheryl Johnson, RN, President of the United American Nurses, AFL- CIO

"We offer the sincere condolences of every SEIU Healthcare union throughout the country to Cheryl Johnson's family, her friends, and to her Sisters and Brothers within the United American Nurses (UAN), the Michigan Nurses Association, and the University of Michigan Medical Center.

"Cheryl worked as a critical care nurse for many years and she brought those instinctive skills with her when she was elected the very first national President of the UAN in 2000.  She could very quickly assess the cause of a serious problem, and in the next breath begin to identify the steps and the people who could work together to solve it.  Cheryl was a natural leader, and she was a 'healer' in the very best sense of the word.  And these gifts endeared her to nurses and healthcare workers throughout the country.

"Cheryl was dedicated first and foremost to ensuring the highest quality of care for patients, to a safe and supportive work environment for all registered nurses, and to the hard work of repairing our national healthcare system.  She was tireless, she was a pragmatist, and she truly cared.   Cheryl spoke out time and time again for unity and for progress within the nursing profession, and within the national healthcare reform movement.

"Cheryl Johnson inspired us all with her courageous spirit, her vision, and her friendship.  We shall all miss her very much and will seek to honor her through our work each and every day."