The CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award is an annual award that recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution toward improving public health through their work in childhood immunization. Each year, up to one CDC Childhood Immunization Champion from each of the 50 U.S. states, 8 U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia is honored.
Nevada's CDC Champions include:
2016: Bobbi Shanks, RN; Elko County School District School Nurse Coordinator
2015: Doreen Begley, RN; Early Head Start Health Coordinator
2014: Rutu Ezhuthachan, MD; Medical Director, UnitedHealthcare
2013: Heidi S. Parker, MA; Immunize Nevada Executive Director
2012: Pamela Beal; Southern Nevada Immunization & Health Coalition Executive Director
The Champion Award honors those who are doing an exemplary job or going above and beyond to promote or foster childhood immunizations in their communities.
Leadership: Considered an authority on immunization in their community, medical system, or individual practice. Activities may include acting as a spokesperson, trainer, mentor, or educator.
Collaboration: Worked to build support for and increase immunization rates in infants and young children. Activities may include establishing or strengthening partnerships, coalitions, committees, working groups, or other.
Innovation: Used creative or innovative strategies to promote immunization or address challenges to immunization in their practice, community, state, or region. Activities may include either new strategies or adapting existing strategies in new ways such as for reaching under-immunized populations.
Advocacy: Active in advancing policies and best practices to support immunization in infants and young children in their community, state, or region. Activities may include providing legislative testimony or promoting, analyzing, or evaluating policies.
