Reno, Nev. (March 4, 2013)—Immunize Nevada is holding its annual Silver Syringe Awards to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who work to protect Nevadans from vaccine-preventable diseases. The 15th annual Silver Syringe Awards takes place Thursday, March 14 at Grand Sierra Resort at 6:30 p.m.

“This event is about celebrating the successes of the many people and organizations who are helping keep Nevada’s citizens healthy through immunizations,” said Heidi Parker, Immunize Nevada Executive Director. “There are many passionate individuals who have dedicated their careers to immunizations and improving public health. This evening gives us the opportunity to recognize their commitment to making Nevada a healthier state.”

In addition to the awards presentation, Karen Ross, NV Energy Community Relations Manager will deliver a keynote presentation. Individual tickets are available for $25 each or $200 for tables of 8. For more information visit  http://www.immunizenevada.org/SilverSyringe. The following individuals and organizations will be recognized:

15th Annual Silver Syringe Award Winners

Edney Children’s Health Center: Outstanding Childhood Immunization Program
Caliente Youth Center: Outstanding Adolescent Immunization Program
Healthy Communities Coalition: 2012 M.O.R.E. Event Outstanding Adult Immunization Program
Jennifer Bonk: Outstanding Rural Immunization Program
Shannon Bennett Outstanding Rural Immunization Program
Lt. Nicholas Laughton, Rph, Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic: Outstanding Pharmacy Immunization Program
Walgreens: Outstanding Influenza Immunization Program
St. Paul’s Community Food Pantry: Outstanding Influenza Immunization Program
Tina Vesely, RN: Outstanding Immunization Nurse
Carol Banghart, M Ed, RN, NCSN: Outstanding Immunization Nurse
KOLO Channel 8: Outstanding Media Partner
Cribs for Kids: Outstanding Community Partner
Legends at Sparks Marina: Outstanding Corporate Partner
Erin Seward, MPH, Nevada State Immunization Program: Outstanding Immunization Champion
Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows: Innovation in Immunization
Banner Churchill Community Hospital: Highest Hospital Employee Influenza Rate

Highest Immunization Rate for 2 year olds
Community Health Alliance: Nell J. Redfield Health Center at Sun Valley 
Summit Pediatrics-Elko
White Pine Community Health Nursing
Southern Bands Health Center

Greatest Improvement Rate for 2 year olds
Carson Medical Group Pediatrics
Sierra Pediatrics
University Health System Pediatric Clinic
Lander County Community Health Nursing

Sustained Excellence
Northern Nevada Pediatrics
The Medical Profession, LLC 
Gurjeet Wadia, MD 
Community Health Alliance: Nell J. Redfield Clinic at Neil Road
White Pine Community Health Nursing
Southern Bands Health Center 
 
Sponsors for the 15th Annual Silver Syringe Awards are: Amerigroup, Grand Sierra Resort, Nevada State Immunization Program, Nevada Nurses Association, Safe Kids Washoe County and Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine.
 

###