Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Partnership Plan Wins Nevada Immuniza...( Anthem To Receive Outstanding Corpor...),Health

Anthem To Receive Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award from the Nevada

Immunization Coalitions

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nevada Immunization Coalitions (NIC) today honored Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Partnership Plan (Anthem) in Nevada with the Outstanding Corporate Partnership Silver Syringe Award. Anthem received this award as recognition for its efforts to help increase childhood immunization rates in Nevada through free immunization clinics and member education initiatives.

In April of 2007, Anthem helped sponsor Nevada Childhood Immunization Week with the NIC, resulting in the successful immunization of more than 5,000 at- risk children from across the state. Through its Community Resource Center, which provides education and resources for Nevada Medicaid and Check-Up enrollees, Anthem donated $3,000 to help support event activities and also lent the time, energy, and resources of its staff to several immunization clinics in Las Vegas and Reno. Anthem was also a sponsor of the first Back To School Immunization Week, during which the NIC immunized more than 1,600 children.

"We know that immunizations are critical to keeping kids healthy," said David Blackman, statewide director for Anthem. "That's why Anthem is dedicated to supporting efforts like Nevada Childhood Immunization Week to help ensure that all kids in Nevada are getting the vaccines they need."

Nevada consistently holds one of the lowest childhood immunization rates in the nation, and is currently ranked 50th in this measure by the Centers for Disease Control. One out of every three children in Nevada is not fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and measles. The NIC was founded in 1995 to help combat this problem.

"Our goal is to achieve an 80 percent childhood immunization rate by 2010," said Cari Rovig, executive director of the NIC. "The support Anthem provides by sponsoring immunizat
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