The South Carolina Immunization Coalition launched the inaugural SC Immunization Champion Awards program in partnership with the Division of Immunization at SC DHEC to recognize and honor five individuals, groups, or organizations who are going above and beyond in the Palmetto State to promote childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations in their communities.
Of these five Champions, SCIC selected one nominee to join SC's roster of national CDC Immunization Champion Award winners that include Dr. Eliza Varadi, Pelican Pediatrics (2018) and Kimberly Nelson, SC Parents for Vaccines (2019).
We are excited to announce that Dr. Youlanda C. Gibbs, Executive Director with the Palmetto Palace, will join the list as SC's 2022 Immunization Champion! Read the national announcement here.
SCIC is excited to announce the 2022 winners below!
2022 Award Categories
SC Immunization Champion: Leadership Award
2022 Winner: Youlanda C. Gibbs, Executive Director, The Palmetto Palace
Candidates are considered a respected resource and leader on immunization in their community, medical system, or individual practice.
SC Immunization Champion: Community Collaboration Award
2022 Winner: City of Hanahan Fire and EMS
Candidates have worked within their communities and networks to build support for increasing immunization rates in children and/or adults.
SC Immunization Champion: Innovation Award
2022 Winner: Beth Sundstrom, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, College of Charleston
Candidates have used creative or innovative strategies to promote immunization or address challenges to immunization in their practice, community, state, or region.
SC Immunization Champion: Advocacy Award
2022 Winner: Allison Ross Eckard, MD Division Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, MUSC
Candidates are active in advancing policies and best practices to support immunization in children, adolescents, and/or adults in their community, state, or region.
SCIC Partner of the Year
2022 Winner: Mary Beattie, RN, School Health Coordinator, Cherokee County School District
Candidates are active members of the South Carolina Immunization Coalition and have made significant contributions to advancing its mission.