Immunize Nevada held two annual Silver Syringe Awards 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 was held in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) and had event locations in Reno and Las Vegas. 

Reno winners celebrated on Friday, April 17 at the Atlantis Resort Spa, while Southern Nevada winners were honored Friday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Springs Preserve.

Renown Medical Group pediatrician Dr. Chelsea Wicks will be the keynote speaker of the Reno event. She’ll be speaking on the importance of being an immunization champion.

Abbi Whitaker, owner of the Abbi Agency, will be the keynote speaker of the Las Vegas event, sharing her story of being an HPV-associated cancer survivor and a mom.

“This event once again celebrates the successes of immunization champions who work tirelessly to keep Nevadans of all ages healthy,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “This evening gives us the opportunity to recognize passionate individuals and organizations that are committed to improving the communities they work in and 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 & Lynnie Shore, RN, BSN
• Outstanding Media Partner: Connie Wray-Gaudard, Alice 96.5

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 event allows for an opportunity to honor those immunization champions that provide excellent service, but may not otherwise be recognized. This year’s event was generously supported by: Renown Health , Nevada State Immunization Program, UnitedHealthcare, Nevada Health Care Association, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Carson Tahoe Health, Perry Foundation (NVHCA), Safe Kids Washoe County and Healthcare Guidance Program.

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

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