Reno, Nev. (Jan 29, 2014)—Immunize Nevada is holding its annual Silver Syringe Awards to recognize 16 outstanding individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to protect Nevadans from vaccine-preventable diseases. The 16^th annual Silver Syringe Awards takes place Saturday, March 1 at 6:00 PM at the Peppermill Reno.

“This event once again celebrates the successes of immunization champions who work tirelessly to keep Nevadans of all ages healthy,” said Heidi Parker, Immunize Nevada Executive Director. “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.”

In addition to the awards presentation, Trudy Larson, MD, Director of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences will deliver the keynote presentation. For more information and ticket sales, visit http://www.immunizenevada.org/SilverSyringe. This event is generously supported by Renown Health, Amerigroup, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine, Saint Mary's Health Plans, Nevada State Immunization Program, Nevada Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics and Safe Kids Washoe County.

16^th Annual Silver Syringe Award Winners

16^th Annual Silver Syringe Award Honorable Mention

Healthy People 2020 Award

This award is based on the Healthy People 2020 Immunization and Infectious Diseases Leading Health Indicator: Increase the percentage of children aged 19 to 35 months who receive the recommended doses of DTaP, polio, MMR, Hib, hepatitis B, varicella and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

Providers who reached the target immunization rate of 80% or higher:

Alpine Family Medicine, LLC
Aspen Pediatrics
Banner Churchill Community Hospital - Family Practice
Barton Pediatrics
Community Health Alliance Nell J Redfield Health Center at Sun Valley
Community Health Alliance Nell J Redfield Health Center at Neil Road
Community Health Alliance Wells Medical/Dental Center
Northern Nevada Pediatrics
Pediatric Associates
Reno Center for Child and Adolescent Health
Sierra Pediatrics
Southern Bands Health Center
Summit Pediatrics, Elko
The Medical Profession, LLC
Pratima Sachdev, MD
University Health System Pediatrics
Gurjeet Wadia, MD

Provider of Excellence Award

This award is based on immunization best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which include: improving the quality of immunization services, decreasing missed vaccination opportunities, and improving the completeness and accuracy of immunization information in Nevada WebIZ.
Providers who have implemented exemplary strategies in their offices are:

Carson City Health and Human Services
Churchill County Community Health
Douglas County Community Health
University of Nevada, Reno Early Head Start
Lincoln County Community Health
Lyon County Community Health - Yerington
Mama Mia Pediatrics
Pershing Community Health
Reno Center for Child and Adolescent Health
Saint Mary’s Immunization Clinic
Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine
Southern Bands Health Center
Summit Pediatrics, Reno
Tendercare Pediatrics
Washoe County Health District
White Pine Community Health
Yerington Paiute Tribal Clinic

Immunize Nevada exists to support community partners to successfully implement effective immunization efforts throughout Nevada; advocate for, inform and educate about the need for and benefits of vaccines; and facilitate greater collaboration statewide to achieve Nevada’s immunization priorities.
                                                                                                               ###