Kathy Lancaster honored as Colorado’s 2026 National Immunization Champion – Garfield County, Colorado
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Kathy Lancaster standing in front of the Glenwood Springs Public Health building

Lancaster honored as Colorado’s 2026 National Immunization Champion

Association of Immunization Managers, CDC honors Garfield County Public Health finance administrator

CDPHE PRESS RELEASE
August 13, 2026

The Immunization Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced Kathy Lancaster, a [Public Health] finance administrator for Garfield County, as Colorado’s recipient of the 2026 National Immunization Champion Award. The award, presented by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to advance immunization in their communities.

Lancaster’s commitment to promoting vaccinations in Garfield County is evident in her extraordinary 45‑year tenure as a public servant. While her official role focuses on budgets and spreadsheets, her true influence lies in the heart she brings to public health. Lancaster serves as a vital bridge between the clinic and the community, consistently volunteering at off‑site vaccine clinics. By setting up vaccination stations, guiding families, and supporting staff, she helps create welcoming experiences that expand the clinic’s reach into neighborhoods that might otherwise face barriers to care.

Lancaster’s dedication goes far beyond her job description, particularly in her advocacy for the most vulnerable. She takes the initiative to make calls, coordinate schedules, and recruit nurses for home-based vaccinations. This vital effort sustains protection for homebound older adults and disabled residents who might otherwise simply go without vaccines. Inside the clinic, Lancaster’s humanity shines during pediatric appointments. When children struggle with fear during vaccinations, she steps in with a calm presence — holding a hand or offering a reassuring voice — helping families feel supported and ensuring the process goes smoothly.

Her passionate advocacy for public health is rooted in deeply personal experiences. As a cancer survivor, Lancaster understands firsthand the critical value of prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care. Her dedication is further fueled by her lifelong connection to the Garfield County community and her volunteer work at her church, where organizing senior dinners and outreach has given her a close view of the needs of older adults. These lived experiences drive her unwavering belief that protecting health can change the course of a life, making her a trusted leader who encourages friends, coworkers, and neighbors alike to stay up to date on their vaccinations.

“Kathy’s unwavering commitment to increasing vaccine access and offering a compassionate presence in her community is truly inspiring,” said Heather Roth, Immunization Branch Chief at CDPHE. “Her tireless work, from organizing home-visit vaccinations to comforting nervous children in the clinic, has made a significant impact on public health in Colorado. She is such a deserving recipient of this award.”