Immunize Nevada is holding two annual Silver Syringe Award ceremonies to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to protect Nevadans from vaccine-preventable diseases. The 17th Annual Silver Syringe Awards is being held in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) and will have event locations in Las Vegas and Reno. 

Reno winners will be honored Friday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. Dr. Chelsea Wicks of Renown Medical Group – Pediatrics will be the keynote speaker for the Reno event, sharing her passion for childhood immunizations and the work of the Silver Syringe champions.

Las Vegas winners will celebrate Friday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Springs Preserve.  Abbi Whittaker will be keynote speaker of the Las Vegas event, sharing her story of being an HPV-associated cancer survivor and a mom.

“The Silver Syringe is a prestigious award that celebrates immunization champions in Nevada,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “Both events will give us the opportunity to recognize passionate individuals and organizations that are committed to making Nevada a healthier state.”

NORTHERN NEVADA WINNERS

·        Outstanding Childhood Immunization Program: Carson City Health And Human Services

·        Outstanding Adolescent Immunization Program: Reno Center For Child and Adolescent Health

·        Outstanding Adult Immunization Program: Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services

·        Outstanding Influenza Immunization Program: Banner Churchill Community Hospital

·        Outstanding Rural Immunization Program: Tonopah Community Health

·        Outstanding Pharmacy Immunization Program: Bev Zakariassen, RPH

·        Outstanding Immunization Nurse: Beth W. Ennis, MS, APRN-BC, FNP, CHN III

·        Outstanding Community Partner: Kids To Seniors Korner

·        Outstanding Corporate Partner: Clark & Associates

·        Outstanding Immunization Champion: Shannon Dressel, RN

·        Outstanding Physician Champion: David Zucker, MD

·        Innovation In Immunization: Sara Dinga, MPA and Lynnie Shore, RN, BSN

·        Outstanding Media Partner: Connie Wray-Gaudard

SOUTHERN NEVADA WINNERS

·        Outstanding Childhood Immunization Program: Milestones Pediatrics

·        Outstanding Adolescent Immunization Program: The Shade Tree

·        Outstanding Adult Immunization Program: Hep B Free Las Vegas

·        Outstanding Influenza Immunization Program: Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services – Rawson Neal Hospital

·        Outstanding Rural Immunization Program: Clark County Fire Department

·        Outstanding Pharmacy Immunization Program: Roseman University - College of Pharmacy ACCPSN Chapter

·        Outstanding Immunization Nurse: Sherrie McCallister, RN, BS, CCM

·        Outstanding Community Partner: Southern Nevada Health District Immunization Clinics

·        Outstanding Corporate Partner: Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospital

·        Outstanding Immunization Champion: Jasmine Sandoval

·        Outstanding Physician Champion: Kim LaMotte-Malone, MD, FAAP

·        Innovation In Immunization: Southern Hills Hospital And Medical Center

·        Outstanding Media Partner: Jeff Ross Photography

Silver Syringe began in 1998 as a way to celebrate Nevada’s immunization successes and champions. Today, the event has become a statewide tradition for Nevada’s immunization and healthcare stakeholders. This annual ceremony is an opportunity to honor those immunization champions who provide excellent service, but may not otherwise be recognized.

This year’s event is generously supported by: Renown Health, Nevada State Immunization Program, UnitedHealthcare, Southwest Medical Associates, Nevada Health Care Association, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Perry Foundation with the Nevada Health Care Association, Carson-Tahoe Health, Safe Kids Washoe County, Healthcare Guidance Program and Star Nursery.

Immunize Nevada advocates for and educates about the benefits of vaccines and fosters statewide collaboration to achieve Nevada’s health priorities. Immunize Nevada’s vision is for healthy communities across Nevada being protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org