Las Vegas HEALS News

Internal medicine physician Audrey Sue Cruz, MD, will receive the STEAM Badge for her inspirational work toward the advancement of women and girls in healthcare

Intermountain Health’s Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz is one of seven honorees who will be recognized at the highly anticipated 2023 Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada annual fundraising gala Dessert Before Dinner. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

An internal medicine physician, Dr. Cruz is the first Filipina-American doctor chosen by Mattel as one of their “Barbie Role Models” and has a limited-edition Barbie replicated after her.

“I am truly honored to be one of seven people recognized by the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada in this way,” said Cruz. “I know how important it is to have positive role models in life and have made it my mission to empower the next generation.”

Each honoree receives a Girl Scout badge, which are traditionally earned by Girl Scouts after exploring an interest and learning a skill toward that interest. Each badge a Girl Scout collects toward that interest makes them subject matter experts, which aims to inspire them to further explore that topic. Dr. Cruz is receiving the badge for STEAM, an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

“Dessert Before Dinner provides us with an incredible opportunity to recognize individuals who have truly paved the way in our community,” said Kimberly Trueba, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. “We are proud to honor Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz for her exceptional achievements and commitment to creating a better future for our girls in Southern Nevada and girls everywhere.”

The honorees for this year’s gala and the badges they are receiving:

Agent of Change: Nikki Fargas – Las Vegas Aces, President
Take Action: Astrid Silva – Clark County School District, UNIFY Director
Ambassador of the Arts: Crystal Robinson-Wesley – Palms Casino Resort, Vice President of Entertainment and Activations
Power of Community: Wendy Hornbuckle – Philanthropist
STEAM: Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz – Intermountain Health, Internal Medicine Physician
Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout: John Mowbray and Jack Hanifan – Representing The Frias Legacy

Dessert Before Dinner brings well-deserved recognition to distinguishable women in Southern Nevada who have made significant trailblazing strides toward the advancement of women and girls in an array of fields including sports, philanthropy, technology, entertainment, medicine, and education.

“Throughout her career, Dr. Cruz has been respected widely as a role model and mentor, and this recognition further solidifies her impact on this and future generations,” said Dr. Cara Camiolo, Region Chief Medical Officer for Intermountain Health. “We are thrilled for Dr. Cruz to receive this honor and proud that she cares for patients at Intermountain Health.”

The annual fundraising gala directly impacts local Girl Scouts who depend upon philanthropic dollars to experience personal development and wellness skills, experiences such as STEAM and camp, entrepreneurship opportunities, and life skills including leadership and advocacy. The Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada raises funds through Dessert Before Dinner gala ticket sales, program advertisements, sponsorships, and the proceeds from a silent and live auction.

For more information on purchasing tickets or program advertisements for Dessert Before Dinner, please visit www.dessertbeforedinner.org.

For more information about Intermountain Health, please visit www.intermountainnv.org.

About Intermountain Health

With locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit healthcare system comprised of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, and a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada

Founded on April 14, 1932 in Boulder City, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada (GSSNV) is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. GSSNV focuses on four key pillars: STEAM Education, Outdoor Experiences, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. GSSNV serves the four Southern-most counties in Nevada: Clark, Lincoln, Nye, & Esmeralda, as well as the Southern California counties of Inyo and San Bernardino (eastern border).

A fun lead-up to Halloween, Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada is hosting its Boo-A-Thon Bowling Tournament on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, 2023, at the Santa Fe Station Bowling Center. Teams play options are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday or noon to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Boo-A-Thon is a great company team-building activity that helps us raise needed funds in a fun way to support financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial programs for more than  20,000 K-12 students,” said Michelle Jackson, president and CEO of the nonprofit Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. “This Halloween-themed event has always generated a lot of laughs and friendly competition for company teams and also family and friend groups, and has been successful for Junior Achievement.”

During the Boo-A-Thon, participants can show off their bowling tricks and treats. Teams are comprised of five people, with each participant raising at least $100 per person, and costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for the best team and individual costume, lane decoration, top individual bowler, and top individual and team fundraiser. Participants also can purchase raffle tickets for other prizes.

There is a $20 registration fee for all bowlers, which includes unlimited bowling for two hours, shoes, pizza, soda, and prize opportunities. Bowlers can register their teams at

Bit.ly/3OSzqZr. Once a team has registered, participants can create their individual and team fundraising pages.

Junior Achievement will provide fundraising tools to help individuals and teammates reach and exceed donation goals. 

A variety of Boo-A-Thon sponsorship opportunities are still available, starting at $500.

Current sponsors are: Nevada State Bank, RSM, City National Bank, Barclays, Cragin & Pike, KPMG, PSI Seminars, Leadership Las Vegas, Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG) and Purdue Marion & Associates.

The Santa Fe Station Bowling Center is located at 4949 N. Rancho Drive.

For more information about the Junior Achievement Boo-A-Thon, visit  JA 2023 BOO-A-THON | Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada or contact Will Abbott at will.abbott@ja.org.

About Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, Inc. was founded locally in 1996. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing financial education to K-12 students, with a curriculum that spans from budget management to economic principals, workforce skills and credit. Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada currently reaches more than 20,000 students annually in the Las Vegas area with the help of 285 businesses and 6,800 business role models. Upon completion, the new Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center will impact more than 60,000 local youth. It will be a permanent site for its two capstone programs: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information visit https://jasnv.org/ and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

September 23rd Event to Provide Free Health Screenings, Diapers, Food Boxes, and Other Giveaways

SilverSummit Healthplan “Family Fun Day” Community Health Fair. In partnership with the Durango Hills YMCA, SilverSummit Healthplan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, is hosting a free community health resource fair to encourage residents to practice healthy habits, and for local organizations to provide information on good health and preventative medicine. Several area health agencies and nonprofits will be present – Baby’s Bounty will provide free diapers and baby essentials, The Just One Project will be giving out free food boxes, and additional agencies will provide health and wellness screenings such as dental, vision, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol checks. There will also be massage therapists and barbers providing haircuts for children.

Free to community members of all ages, the event will feature raffle prizes and giveaways, including laptops, bikes, and bike helmets. Attendees can also enjoy music and activities, such as caricature and airbrush artists.

For more information, please call the Durango Hills YMCA at 702-240-9622.

Saturday, September 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Durango Hills YMCA
3521 N. Durango Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89129

SilverSummit Healthplan, a managed care plan that delivers quality health insurance to the people of Nevada, is committed to improving the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. This event continues their efforts in hosting free, large-scale, community health resource fairs that bring needed services to Medicaid populations in southern Nevada.

Prominence Health Plan is pleased to announce an updated brand identity as Prominence Health. Prominence Health is the health insurance company and strategic value-based organization owned by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), one of Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Prominence Health enhances patient experience and healthcare outcomes through provider-led programs including Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models, Clinically Integrated Networks, condition-specific interventions, managed care performance, and other risk-based platforms.

Prominence Health provides alternative payment models and healthcare partnership opportunities for communities and providers to strengthen integrated system partnership, expand access to preventive healthcare and drive excellent care outcomes.

Prominence Health by the numbers:

• Operates eight ACO programs: MSSP Basic (1), MSSP Enhanced (6), and REACH (1)
• Medicare Advantage 4-Star health insurance plans in NV, TX, FL
• Commercial health insurance plans in NV
• 3,000+ partnered clinicians
• 200,000 covered lives in alternative payment models
• 6 joint venture risk models
• 1 Clinically Integrated Network
• 500+ employees nationwide
• Tailored administrative services

“We are thrilled to unveil our new identity as Prominence Health, which reflects our commitment to elevate value-based healthcare in partnership with clinical leaders across our communities,” said Kamal Jemmoua, CEO, Prominence Health. “We ensure quality, innovation, and agility in creating healthcare solutions. The rebrand to Prominence Health is a major milestone in our evolution to expand upon our value-based care platform to empower providers, optimize patient outcomes, and foster stronger connections with patients.”

Prominence Health offers a suite of services including health insurance plans, alternative payment models, joint venture and business development consultation, data and workflow integration with partnered acute care systems, operational resources including inbound/outbound patient contact center models, referral coordination, program performance optimization, and a national team of clinical extenders dedicated to orchestrating comprehensive care in the right place at the right time.

“Prominence Health is revolutionizing the way we deliver healthcare thanks to our extraordinary physicians, innovative technology, and the team’s passion to make a difference,” said Eddie Sim, Executive Vice President, UHS, and President, Acute Care Division. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this monumental initiative encompassing who Prominence Health is today.”

Comprehensive, first-of-its-kind program in Nevada will deploy digital tools and health advocates to address a range of prenatal and maternal health needs

SilverSummit Healthplan, a Nevada-based managed care plan and wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, and Wildflower Health, a technology and services company committed to transforming care delivery for women’s health, today announced a strategic partnership to improve the quality of maternity care for Medicaid beneficiaries in Nevada. In response to the state’s D-minus score on the March of Dimes’ maternal health report card, the partnership aims to address a range of HEDIS measures that significantly impact maternal health outcomes through digital tools, an established health advocate network and other community resources to empower members to actively participate in their prenatal and postpartum care.

“In Nevada, we have an amazing network of obstetric providers, innovative health plans and access to emerging technologies that support maternal health, but what’s been missing is bringing all of these pieces together in a way that more effectively cares for expectant mothers,” said Dr. Steven Evans, chief medical officer for SilverSummit HealthPlan. “We are confident this effort will boost quality and improve the overall experience for the women we serve.”

Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada (WHASN) and other leading practices across the SilverSummit coverage region are also participating in this initiative through a networked digital experience. Patients are automatically connected to Wildflower Health Advocates via a shared digital app that is integrated with each practice’s Electronic Medical Record system.

“Patients are hungry for good information during pregnancy, and how they can engage with digital tools or additional personalized support,” said Dr. Rebecca Herrero, president and CEO of Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada and a member of SilverSummit’s physician advisory board. “As one of the OB groups participating in this initiative, our practice can extend the care we deliver to expectant mothers in a truly meaningful way.”

About SilverSummit Healthplan 
SilverSummit Healthplan (SilverSummit) is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise. For more information, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.

About Wildflower
Wildflower is a technology and services company that is transforming care delivery and payment models in women’s health to radically improve outcomes. We offer a modular suite of software, support and services, meeting providers and payers where they are in their journey to value. We are also the architect of the industry’s most comprehensive bundle for value-based maternity care, with pre-built functionality for all actuarial, clinical and operational needs. Wildflower can help you successfully address the key drivers of women’s health outcomes while building a better future for you and the families you serve. We are ushering in a new era for women’s health. This is a smarter way to care. http://www.wildflowerhealth.com

About Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada (WHASN) 
WHASN is a leading group of board-certified and board-eligible obstetricians and gynecologists who specialize in providing high quality healthcare for women. It offers a full range of innovative techniques and technologies to promote and maintain good health practices through all phases of a woman’s life. Twenty locations span southern Nevada, each providing patients with the highest level of personalized service at the care center level. WHASN was created in 2009 with two purposes in mind. The first was to adapt to the changing healthcare industry. The second was the idea that by combining the knowledge and expertise of many, WHASN would be able to improve the healthcare of women throughout southern Nevada.

Summerlin Hospital Auxiliary, along with G. Dallas Horton & Associates, Silver State Pediatrics and Bella Baby, will present the “Oh Baby! Celebration” for parents-to-be, new parents, family and friends.

The free celebration will take place Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of Summerlin Hospital, 657 N. Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV. Attendees will discover a variety of resources, tour the Birthplace at Summerlin Hospital, enjoy photo booth fun, sign up for door prizes, purchase items from food trucks, the coffee shop or Café, and more.

Diaper derbies will be held at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Cake walks will be held at 10, 11 and 12 p.m.

Birthplace Tours will be held at 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45 a.m. with the final tour beginning at 12:15 p.m.

A partial listing of vendors include information about prenatal yoga, breastfeeding support, pediatric dentistry, cyro-cell, ceramic hand and footprints, and photograpers and Nevada Health Link.

“We are excited to offer this free event to expectant parents, new parents and young families to enjoy, and learn about a variety of resources,” said Regale Harris, Auxiliary Manager for Summerlin Hospital. “We hope everyone will stop by and enjoy the festivities.”

Proceeds from sponsorships and other donations will benefit “First Ride, Safe Ride,” a Summerlin Hospital Auxiliary program that provides free car seats to parents in need as identified by local pediatrician offices affiliated with Summerlin Hospital.

About Summerlin Hospital
Summerlin Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, caring for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. Located in the master-planned community of Summerlin, the 485-bed hospital offers emergency care, advanced cardiovascular care, women’s health, comprehensive maternity services, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a children’s medical center, surgical services, oncology care for adults and children, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy services for adults and children.

Observance Includes Focus on Health Improvement Opportunities

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Noting that Hispanic/Latin Americans comprise the largest minority group in the United States, District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “Diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths, and we are grateful for the far-reaching impact of Hispanic culture on our society. The Health District is proud to join the local community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.”

SNHD is highlighting its programs that create opportunities to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic populations in Southern Nevada. SNHD offers a variety of programs and collaborates with community partners to create opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our Hispanic populations through ongoing programs and special activities.

In Clark County, 24.6% of Hispanic or Latino adults were in fair or poor health in 2021. Among Hispanic adults ages 18 and over in Clark County, approximately 38% had obesity. Diabetes prevalence in Hispanic adults was slightly higher than that in non-Hispanic white adults ages 18 and over (12% and 11%, respectively). Nearly 12% of Hispanic adults in Clark County smoked cigarettes in 2021

During September, SNHD is hosting Diabetes Self-Management, Education, and Support classes in Spanish, providing education and resources to help participants self-manage their type 2 diabetes. The classes are open to anyone with type 2 diabetes as well as people with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Classes will be held at SNHD’s Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107 on:

• September 18 and 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• September 21 and 28, 3-5 pm.

Classes are free and registration is required. To register, visit https://gethealthyclarkcounty.org/manage-your-risk/diabetes-form-sp/ or call 702-759-1270.

SNHD also offers help to people who want to quit smoking. The Por Mi Por Ti Por Nosotros, Viva Saludable Latinx initiative, in partnership with the Mexican Patriotic Committee, is supporting a tobacco-free lifestyle at the annual Fiestas Patrias event. It will be held September 16, from 2-9 p.m., at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, 770 Twin Lakes Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89107. SNHD will provide cessation resources as well as culturally and linguistically tailored information on the dangers of smoking and vaping. For more information, visit www.pormiporti.org.

Additionally, the SNHD Por Mi Por Ti Por Nosotros, Viva Saludable Latinx initiative will host an 8-week in-person tobacco cessation program in Spanish. Participants can develop a personalized plan to help them quit, while obtaining professional support and free nicotine replacement therapy. The group sessions will take place at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101. An informational session will be held September 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the center and is open to all community members. The first group session will begin September 27, at 7 p.m. The program is free, and participants must pre-register at https://www.vivasaludable.org/live-tobacco-free/quit-smoking/ or by calling 702-759-1270.

The Viva Saludable website has information on a variety of chronic disease prevention and self-management health topics, provided in Spanish. To catch up on the latest health news, tips and recommendations, visit the Viva Saludable blog at Blog – Viva Saludable.

Dutch Bros Coffee is proud to announce its partnership with Special Olympics Nevada for the “Buck for Kids” Day event. This collaboration aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children with intellectual disabilities across our community. During the “Buck for Kids” Day on September 15, Dutch Bros will donate $1 from every drink sold to support Special Olympics Nevada.

In addition to supporting the organization’s sports, education, athlete leadership training, and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities, donations raised during the event will assist SONV in its efforts to establish an independently run chapter in Nevada by the end of 2023. While all fundraising dollars support athletes in Nevada, Special Olympics Nevada is currently under the umbrella of Special Olympics Northern California.

For more information on the “Buck for Kids” Day event, please visit www.dutchbros.com

WHEN: Friday, September 15, 2023

WHERE: All Southern Nevada Dutch Bros locations

SHARE IT: Don’t forget to connect with Dutch Bros Coffee on social media and share your support using the hashtag #BuckForKids: Facebook (Dutch Bros Coffee), Instagram (@dutchbroscoffee), and X (@DutchBros).

About Special Olympics Nevada  

Special Olympics Nevada works to create inclusive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through health, education, leadership development and sports. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for 2,653 athletes who compete in more than 14 competitions in 7 sports annually within the Community Sports Program. The Unified Champion Schools Program encourages leadership development and the growth of Unified Sports®, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates. In 2022, Special Olympics Nevada launched a new program, Mindset Matters, which provides mental health and stress management techniques to students in Nevada schools. In a typical year, Special Olympics Nevada impacts more than 17,820 students by promoting inclusion on school campuses. Special Olympics Nevada is also committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes events, offering screenings and services free of charge. Special Olympics Nevada relies on the support of 759 volunteers and funding from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. More information may be found by visiting www.sonv.org and following on Facebook, Instagram (@specialolympicsnv), X (@SONevada) and LinkedIn. 

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified a local supplement manufacturer, Harmonic Innerprizes, sold products made with ingredients that are not food grade and with ingredients from unapproved sources, including some that could lead to heavy metal toxicity. Testing of products from the facility that were found to be from unapproved or unidentified sources is being conducted to determine more information about the contents of the supplements.

The Health District has suspended the permit, and the business is no longer selling these products; however, supplements sold by Harmonic Innerprizes may still be available through retail establishments or taken by consumers who previously purchased them.

Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are nonspecific and can vary including but not limited to abdominal pain, chills, dehydration, diarrhea and nausea. These non-specific symptoms can be caused by a wide range of health issues, making it challenging to attribute to heavy metal toxicity without a proper health care provider assessment and/or testing.

If someone has taken supplements purchased from Harmonic Innerprizes and is experiencing new, unexplained medical symptoms, they should immediately consult with their health care provider.

Examples of products sold by Harmonic Innerprizes are available at the following link.

The Health District will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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.