IMMUNIZE NEVADA NEWS RELEASE
Immunize Nevada and the Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition announced the two organizations have merged and Community Health Alliance will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the newly merged organization beginning July 1. The newly merged organization will retain the name Immunize Nevada. Immunize Nevada is now located at 5250 Neil Road, Suite 103,
in Reno.
For the past 10 years, Saint Mary’s Foundation served as the fiscal sponsor for both Immunize Nevada and NNIC. The sale of the Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to Prime Healthcare, a for profit entity, prompted Saint Mary’s Mission Outreach and HAWC (Health Access Washoe County) Community Health Centers to merge to form CHA effective July 1.
“We look forward to joining this visionary organization that will provide greater service opportunities and enhance health care for the entire community, especially those most in need,” said Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada.
Established 17 years ago by a group of citizens concerned about Nevada’s immunization rate being the lowest in the country, Immunize Nevada has evolved into a statewide network of individuals, businesses, public health entities and organizations committed to improving and protecting the health of children, teens, adults and seniors in Nevada. With the merger, Immunize Nevada will continue to focus its efforts both statewide and in northern Nevada, remaining dedicated to increasing Nevada’s immunization rates and decreasing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Immunize Nevada’s primary functions include supporting health care professionals by providing education opportunities, conferences, office tools and incentives; bringing together regional, state and national partners to collaborate on immunization projects and programs; serving as an expert resource to community members and providing outreach and education about the importance of immunizing and the risks of not immunizing; and advocating for pro‐immunization policies.
“Nevada continues to experience a low national ranking, and this merger helps streamline resources, extend project and outreach breadth, and maximize limited funding and staff resources,” Parker said. “The organization is poised to fill the gaps for provider education and community awareness to address the importance of appropriate and timely immunizations for all citizens and improve Nevada’s ranking.”
Immunize Nevada will work statewide, spearheading projects and annual special events including the Silver Syringe Awards, Nevada Infant Immunization Week, Give Kids a Boost: Sun Valley Health and Safety Fair, InFLUence Others: Get Vaccinated outreach campaign, Back-to-School outreach, Vaccinate Before You Graduate outreach campaign, Protect and Immunize Nevada’s Kids project, Text4baby Reminder Program, Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange, school-based flu clinics and more.
