Westendorf Wins National Honor Putnam City Health Services Coordinator Georgene Westendorf, RN, was one of five school nurses in the nation honored in June by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) as part of its Voice of Meningitis campaign, a multi-year educational initiative. 
The initiative, sponsored by NASN in collaboration with drug maker Sanofi Pasteur, focuses on meningococcal disease awareness and adolescent vaccination, and recognizes the exemplary work of nurses across the country. The CDC recommends all teens and preteen be vaccinated against meningitis.
NASN selected Westendorf and other honorees based on their dedication to raise awareness about meningococcal disease and the importance of vaccination. With the support of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, the Blue Cross Blue Shield "Oklahoma Caring Van," and the school nurses of Putnam City, meningococcal immunization clinics for middle school students were arranged and promoted to the parents of these middle school students under the direction of Westendorf.
“Putnam City students and staff are fortunate to have Georgene. Due to her hard work and leadership abilities, and in conjunction with a dedicated staff, Putnam City has a health program that is second to none. She’s exceptional in every way, and well deserving of this award,” says Lynette Thompson, executive director of Special Services for the district.
Westendorf, a National Certified School Nurse and a Certified Health Education Specialist, has been a nurse for 39 years. Five years ago she was named School Nurse Administrator of the Year by the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma.
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