Las Vegas, NV (March 30, 2016)—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 18th Annual Silver Syringe Awards is being held in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) and will have event locations in Reno and Las Vegas. 

Reno winners will be honored Friday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Resort at Red Hawk while Las Vegas winners will celebrate Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at Cili's Restaurant at Bali Hai. Tickets for both events can be purchased online at immunizenevada.org/SilverSyringe.

Karen Crespo, a meningitis survivor, quadruple amputee and vaccine advocate, will be the keynote speaker at both events. Karen contracted meningitis at the age of 28 while she was working as a Registered Nurse. In September 2014, Karen became the first quadruple amputee to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week.

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

SOUTHERN NEVADA WINNERS

·        Outstanding Childhood Immunization Program: Nevada Pediatric Specialists

·        Outstanding Adolescent Immunization Program: Sean Rodgers

·        Outstanding Adult Immunization Program: The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)

·        Outstanding Influenza Immunization Program: MountainView Hospital Las Vegas

·        Outstanding Rural Immunization Program: Assemblyman James Oscarson and Bren McClean, CNA

·        Outstanding Pharmacy Immunization Program: Eric VanMeter, Pharm D.

·        Outstanding Immunization Nurse: Sarah Lugo, RN

·        Outstanding Community Partner: Junior League, Las Vegas

·        Outstanding Corporate Partner: UnitedHealthcare

·        Outstanding Immunization Champion: Rosaura Martinez

·        Outstanding Physician Champion: James Bakerink, MD

·        Innovation In Immunization: Turntable Health

·        Outstanding Media Partner: Cox Communications

In addition to Silver Syringe winners being recognized at the annual dinner event, a number of provider offices, hospitals, tribal health centers and post-acute care facilities from throughout Nevada will be recognized for meeting Healthy People 2020 goals of high immunization rates. A complete list of the awardees can be found at https://immunizenevada.org/sites/default/files/Silver Syringe/2016/HP2020_Winner%27s List_3-24.pdf.

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 partners. This year’s event is generously supported by: Renown Health, UnitedHealthcare, Nevada State Immunization Program, Saint Mary’s Health Network, Community Health Alliance, Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine, WGU Nevada, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Carson-Tahoe Health, NVHCA Perry Foundation and Smith’s Food & Drug Company.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.