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Our History

Immunize Nevada's History

1995-2002
In 1995, the Washoe County Coalition for Childhood Immunizations (WCIC) was formed by the Washoe County District Health Department to increase immunization rates in children aged 0-2 years of age, and in response to the national measles outbreak between years 1989-1991. This public-private, volunteer-led partnership included organizations, agencies, business leaders, and concerned citizens. Organization goals were education, using the State of Nevada immunization registry, and increased media awareness. As WCIC grew, it was expanded to include adolescent and adult populations.

2003-2012
In fall of 2002, WCIC became fiscally sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Foundation, and the first paid Program Manager was hired with a grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation. The organization name was changed to the Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition (NNIC) to reflect the expanded scope of the coalition to include 13 counties: Washoe, Carson, Storey, Lyon, Douglas, Humboldt, Pershing, Churchill, Mineral, Lander, Eureka, Elko, and White Pine. Organization goals were to develop an effective structure, awareness, and education of immunization activities, and advocate for policy changes. An Executive Director was hired in 2009.

2007-2010
Developed in response to the Nevada State Health Division Immunization Strategic Plan, the Nevada Immunization Coalition’s (NIC) goals were advocacy, provider education, and outreach on a statewide level. A grant from The Fund for a Healthy Nevada enabled NIC to hire an Executive Director and a Statewide Program Manager that provided staff support to both NNIC and its southern counterpart, the Southern Nevada Immunization Coalition (SNIC); as well as an Executive Director for SNIC, their first paid staff member. SNIC was also fiscally sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Foundation until 2009, when they became sponsored by HealthInsight in Las Vegas.

2010
In 2010, the name was changed to better reflect the mission and to be consistent with similarly named statewide coalitions across the United States. Expanded activities of advocacy, provider education, and outreach on a statewide level increased the visibility and presence of Immunize Nevada.

2012
In 2012, fiscal sponsor changes with the Saint Mary’s Foundation prompted consideration of a merger with NNIC. La Piana Consulting was hired to facilitate the merger, which was successfully completed May of 2012. As a result, Immunize Nevada grew to four full-time staff members, funding increased by 122%, and new fiscal sponsorship was provided by the Community Health Alliance.

2013
Due to programmatic growth, organizational needs, and physical space considerations, Immunize Nevada applied for its 501c3 designation and became an incorporated Nevada nonprofit. Since 1995, the evolution of Immunize Nevada has included steady, strategic, and visionary growth, overseen by a strong steering committee and subsequent Board of Directors. Becoming a nonprofit organization ensures Immunize Nevada’s fiscal and organizational future.


2015
Effective January 1, the Southern Nevada Immunization and Health Coalition voted to end their fiscal sponsor relationship with St. Rose Dominican Hospital and consolidate with Immunize Nevada to streamline resources and expand its capacity to serve Nevadans and coalition partners. The decision to become one united, statewide 501c3 nonprofit organization positions our teams to more effectively meet the health needs of our partners and communities to increase immunization rates in Nevada.