Health workers honored for vaccination efforts

Champion” awards highlight their work

Source: New Mexico Department of Health

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Immunization Coalition (NMIC) recognized a number of state public health employees and divisions with awards paying tribute to their contribution to keeping New Mexicans healthy and safe.

The Immunization Champion Awards were given during the coalition’s annual conference to recognize those who strive to increase vaccination rates and reduce the spread of viruses. During this year’s conference, held on Nov. 15 at the Marriott Albuquerque Hotel Uptown, the following NMDOH professionals and programs were honored with awards:

The Belen Public Health Office, for helping Belen Public Schools get a 95%+ vaccination compliance rate for the district’s students.
The Mobile Vaccine Team, for providing COVID and flu shots in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Adela Holguin, a registered immunization nurse with the Chaparral Public Health Office, for helping to quell a varicella outbreak at a local ICE facility and ensuring children in her region are up to date with their vaccinations.
Valerie Dueñas, a registered immunization nurse with the Las Cruces Public Health Office, for ensuring vaccine orders aligned with demand so there is adequate supply and minimal wastage.
Susan Molina, a registered immunization nurse with the Artesia and Carlsbad public health offices who ran school immunization clinics to ensure students are up to date on their vaccines.

“Recognizing vaccine champions is an opportunity to honor those individuals who are going the extra mile to promote vaccine activities in their communities,” said Andrea Romero, NMDOH’s Immunization Program. “Their leadership, collaboration and advocacy reflect the compassion they have for protecting children and adults from vaccine preventable diseases.”

Anna Pentler, executive director of the NMIC, agreed, saying, “Public recognition through awards not only motivates people to continue to work above and beyond, but also inspires others to do more and try new creative approaches.”

For more information about the awards or the recipients, contact Robert Nott, Communication Director for NMDOH, at 505-479-0147.

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Levi Gwaltney

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