Health District’s Chong-Dao, McCloskey named Silver Syringe recipients by Immunize Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 26, 2017

LAS VEGAS — Immunize Nevada is honoring the Southern Nevada Health District’s MeeKee Chong-Dao, RN and Lynda McCloskey, RN for their efforts to ensure Southern Nevadans, especially children, are vaccinated against preventable diseases. Both will be honored at the upcoming Silver Syringe awards, an annual event during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 22-29.

Chong-Dao was named Outstanding Immunization Champion. She is the Community Health Nurse Supervisor for the Health District’s Immunization Program. In this position, she has helped expand immunization services to underserved populations and rural Clark County communities such as Searchlight and Laughlin as well as outreach activities to educate Southern Nevadans about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

McCloskey is recognized as the Outstanding Immunization Nurse for her continued collaborative efforts with community partners and health care professionals as a resource and advocate for immunizations. Currently, she serves as the Quality Assurance Review Coordinator for the Vaccines for Children Program.

“We are honored that two of our immunization nurses are being recognized by our partner, Immunize Nevada. As a community, we continue to make gains in immunization rates, and MeeKee and Lynda are two of the main reasons why our efforts are paying off,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Southern Nevada Health District Director of Clinical Services.

“The Annual Silver Syringe Awards have become a prestigious award ceremony celebrating immunization champions in Nevada,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “The awards ceremony gives us the opportunity to recognize passionate individuals and organizations that are committed to making Nevada a healthier state.”

The 15 Silver Syringe categories recognize health care providers and community partners, nominated by their peers, as exemplifying outstanding immunization practices in a specific category.

Silver Syringe began in 1998 as a way to celebrate Nevada’s immunization successes and champions. Today, the event has become a statewide tradition for Nevada’s immunization and health care stakeholders.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.