Gov. Polis Partners with Community-Based Organizations, Hosts Clinics as Part of Vaccines for All Plan

DENVER - As part of Governor Polis’ Vaccines for All plan, the State of Colorado is allocating vaccines to community-based organizations across the state to host more than 25 vaccination clinics between Friday, March 19 - Thursday, March 25, 2021. These clinics will focus on vaccinating underserved Coloradans and span a variety of diverse communities. 

“I’m grateful to every partner across our state who is working day and night to ensure that shots are getting into arms and Coloradans are getting the protection they need from this deadly virus. Equitable distribution of the vaccine is essential to getting back to normal and building back stronger,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Each of the following clinics are not accepting walk-in appointments. You must have an appointment to attend.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

Whittier Neighborhood Association 

“We have found it highly effective to have neighbors reaching out to neighbors to sign up for vaccine appointments.  There is already a foundation of trust and dedication to looking out for one another. It has been amazing to see the community come together in support of one another in the vaccine effort,” said Kathleen McBride, Director.

The Arc Arapahoe and Douglas 

“We at The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas are honored to do our part to assist people to get their COVID vaccine.  Since 1955 we have provided advocacy, education and support to people with IDD and their families.  We knew we had the skills to assist them to feel comfortable and supported during the vaccine process.  Big thanks to CDPHE and their staff for providing the medical knowhow. Together we can beat this virus!” said Carol Meredith, Executive Director.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

Councilwoman Sandoval/Regis Square

“I am thankful for the partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Governor’s COVID-19 equity taskforce for the 1300 vaccinations which will be given to our most underserved and vulnerable populations, this weekend March 20th and 21st. We’ve seen the data and we must work together to combat the disparities in vaccine distribution and access for our Latinx community. This COVID-19 equity vaccine clinic is a result of a culmination of the steadfast collaboration between five local elected officials, Regis University our community partner, and loads of volunteers all going above and beyond their call of duty in helping end this pandemic while purposefully targeting the minority community which has been disproportionately impacted during this pandemic,” said Denver City Councilmember Amanda Sandoval (District 1), and Denver Council President Pro Tem Jamie Torres (District 3), Denver Public Schools Board Treasurer Angela Cobián (District 2), Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Gonzales (SD34), House Assistant Majority Leader Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (HD4).

Littleton High School

“This clinic is a perfect example of why I live by the phrase "I am, we are" and why community is at the heart of everything we do in public service, including addressing the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. This idea first came from one of my constituents, we decided to take those concerns and turn them into action for the people of HD38. Team Ortiz made it our mission to reach out to the Latinx community here in Littleton but more than that we wanted to partner with groups who supported Coloradans with disabilities, our elderly, and those who have not had access to the vaccine otherwise due to economic reasons. In centering our outreach efforts around organizations and businesses like Brewability, Littleton Family Services, North Littleton Promise, Littleton Life Center, and St. Mary Parish Littleton Pantry, we believe that we're taking a step towards achieving that goal. Team Ortiz wants to thank the Governor's office and CDPHE for prioritizing the issue of vaccine equity in Colorado through their community-based organizations clinic program. Most importantly, we want to thank the staff at Littleton High School for their support in our mission. Vaccine access saves lives!” said Representative David Ortiz.

Inner City Health

“The history and location of Inner City Health have enabled us to develop a close relationship with Colorado communities, especially communities of color, over the years. Our success is built on our ability in fostering a vibrant sense of community and a welcoming environment for everyone. We see the vaccine clinic as an opportunity to further our commitment in keeping communities healthy,” said Kraig Burleson, Chief Executive Officer.

DSST: College View High School

“As a school that is deeply committed to serving our community in a myriad of ways, we are so excited to offer this vaccine clinic to members of our community in Southwest Denver, and are grateful for the CDPHE staff, the College View HS staff and student volunteers who are making this possible! I encourage other CBOs to consider pursuing clinics as well to serve their communities,” said Gayle Bell, Director of Curriculum & Instruction of Intervention.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

“Thank you for providing the vaccine clinic at a central location, I am older and am afraid to drive far. I am happy you did it at a safe place,” said a patient. 

“Agricultural workers have always been the lifeline of our community and of the food industry. I believe that prioritizing their safety is not only fair and moral, but the only logical course of action. Our event is aimed at remembering and honoring all the farm workers who have been COVID 19 exposed or have lost their lives to sustain our community and to provide an essential service to our country. I commend our community and state partners for their continued support, for without it we couldn’t have accomplished our mission,” said Luis Murillo, SLV Regional Coordinator for the Project Protect Promotora network.

“Sacred Heart exists to serve people, soul, spirit and body,” said Father Carlos Alvarez, Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

“The San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center is honored to help support the health equity vaccine clinic for farm system workers, their families, and the community as their health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us all,” said Ruth Horn, Executive Director of the San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center.

“Although the clinic is open from 1A to 1B.4, Los Promotores del Valle de San Luis made a concentrated effort to reach out to farm system workers and their families through personal calls and outreach during their bimonthly food box distributions. Local and state health agencies are doing a great job at trying to reach out to this community, however, A deep-seated distrust of authority figures and access to education has prevented many food system workers from getting vaccinated. By doing this type of outreach the promotores were able to talk directly to the community and get to know their fears and talk about them.  Sacred Heart has always taken part in providing healthcare outreach to the community. Yearly, it collaborates with the SLV Area Health Education Center in providing a cardiovascular based health fair near Valentine’s Day, it is called Love Your Sweet Heart at Sacred Heart. This year COVID-19 hindered the fair, however Sacred Heart wanted to impact the health of the community somehow. The vaccine equity clinic seemed like the perfect opportunity, after all it is an act of charity and solidarity to get vaccinated. The equity clinic was a labor of love for all organizations involved. It tells a tale of how rural Colorado works together and hopefully it will inspire some unlikely collaborators to work together in other rural towns,” said Lisa Lucero, Director of Implementation of the San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center.

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 21

New life Christan Fellowship Church 

As we recognize the importance of being of service to the community and how urgent the need is to distribute the vaccine to eligible Coloradans in our community. We wanted to make sure that we went outside the confines of the church building to make this happen. Partnering with the Governor’s office and this administration has afforded us the opportunity to be inclusive and make immediate impact in our community while emphasizing the urgency of the vaccine and lend credibility to its importance.

Going beyond the walls of the church has been difficult for us as we do not have a building to call our own. We were in a church, it was sold, and we moved to a local school atrium and then COVID 19 forced its closure. So even though we are currently a nomadic church we were determined to partner with the Governor and the Vaccine Equity group because we recognize the importance of being our brothers and sister’s keeper.  It is not about us, so we had to set aside looking for a new place to call home and focus on the current needs of our friends, family, and community, especially in our diverse neighborhoods of color.

How much more effective is New Life going to be as a community leader when we have our own building and can partner more frequently with Governor Polis and the encouraging blueprint that is laid out by this administration for marginalized communities. 

We are currently working on a plan to provide a food pantry to all those in need in the area. The church can become a shelter, when the weather is incredulous, to our unhoused brothers and sisters. We will provide a safe place for our LGBTQ members to find hope, faith, love and provide programs for our often displaced young people. This is part of the mission of the universal church and here at New Life we do not just talk about it but are about it. We strive to be “the place where everybody matters to God,” said Reverend Dr. Kevin Thompson.

Colorado Primary Care Clinic, Inc. 

“Colorado Primary Care Clinic has served the medical needs of the Aurora underserved community since 2010. Health inequity and disparity has existed within the community the clinic proudly serves and supports for years.  Novel coronavirus presented a deep challenge to the world which we cannot ignore....Disease, Sickness, and the availability of care access for all persons of limited means.  The lethality of the virus effects, demonstrated how woefully unprepared the world was to confront, recognize, mobilize, and consider a trajectory that addresses key critical factors contained within the social determinants of health; and its direct health impact on persons of limited means, the infirmed, and our precious senior population.  It is unfortunate that health inequity continues to ensue and has created vaccine deserts. I am thankful to receive recognition and responsibility to vaccine persons within my community.  Persons of color and our precious senior population have been forgotten in my area, a vaccine desert area. The clinic has fought hard to acquire PPE during the initial phases of the pandemic and ongoing; and now we fight hard to receive a vaccine.  We have battled our own version of "The Hunger Games."  I speak truth to power unequivocally.  Both an urban vulnerability index AND a social vulnerability index application would provide an equitable, targeted approach towards vaccine distribution efforts.  A city's wealth can be determined by a city's health.  Vaccination is one tool we can use to control the spread of novel coronavirus,” said Dawn Fetzko, General Practitioner. 

MONDAY, MARCH 22

New Direction 

“In conjunction with the governor's office we are committed to making available access to the vaccine and the distribution of accurate information regarding its safety and effectiveness,” said Michael Gatewood, Executive Pastor. 

YWCA Pueblo

“I am so grateful to the Governor’s office for working with us to get access to the Covid-19 vaccine.  Our employees are essential to our mission and by being able to provide them, along with the clients we serve access to the vaccine we are ensuring that not only our staff is protected but so are our clients.  I cannot stress enough the importance of members of our community receiving the vaccine so that we can all feel safer and help protect members of our community,” said Maureen White, Executive Director.

The Arc Pikes Peak Region 

“The Arc-PPR is committed to the health and well-being of our communities of the Pikes Peak region.  We are honored to open our facility to the community with the goal of seeing our local business’ and other service organizations functioning to their fullest capabilities while ending the isolation that has impacted the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their loved ones far too long,” said Wilfred Romero, Executive Director.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23

Every Child Pediatrics 

“We are excited to host a COVID vaccine clinic.  The mission of Every Child Pediatrics is to provide high-quality pediatric care to kids in Colorado regardless of their ability to pay.  We are honored to be a trusted resource for our patients’ families and are committed to doing all that we can to provide information and access to vaccinations to our vulnerable communities,” said Laura Luzietti M.D., Executive Director.

Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine 

"Our goal at Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine has been from the onset of the Covid pandemic to provide as much care to our communities as possible.  It started with testing and now we are able to provide vaccines.  Through our partnership with Adams County we now have a drive-thru vaccination site that allows us to process large numbers of patients.  As with all our medical partners the availability of vaccines is our limiting factor.  We are so pleased that CDPHE has allowed us the opportunity to truly help our communities.  Thanks to Governor Polis for providing the needed leadership for us all to fight the battle,” said Dr. Anthony Euser, Owner & Physician of Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine.

The Light of Christ Church 

“When The Light of Christ Church learned that the Governor's office was eager to get the COVID vaccines further into the grassroots, especially to communities with high minority representation and possible disproportionate access to the vaccines, we knew this was our opportunity to serve our Harvey Park neighborhood and nearby communities in a very practical way. We were delighted as a church to be approved to partner with the state in hosting this equity clinic targeting affected demographics and making access to the COVID vaccines more equitable. Our church is already on the ground here. Partnering in this service to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic has been a privilege and joy,” said Donald Nwankwo, Rector.

PASCO 

“As a longtime advocate and ally for the disability community, we here at PASCO are honored to partner with Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Department of Health & Environment to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to our vulnerable population,” said Holly Pajud, HR Generalist/Benefits Coordinator. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24

Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association 

“Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association has worked tirelessly to become a thoughtful neighbor and a place of refuge for our community.  Providing the ability to get a vaccine for our people who face many inequities in resources makes us a logical choice to provide this service.  We know that for many it is not about vaccine hesitancy, but about a lack of access.  We have developed the trust of the most marginalized people, to include those of color, LGBTQ, and homeless communities.  We have gained this trust because we are one of them,” said Judy Solano, Founder/Executive Director.

Zion Senior Center 

"The Zion Senior Center is thrilled to be a part of this multifaceted effort to administer vaccines in our community and specifically to older people of color who are oftentimes underserved. Zion’s involvement also demonstrates the successes that are possible when faith-based and government entities collaborate,” said Gwendolyn M. Mami, Chair Zion Center Advisory Team.

Focus Points Family Resource Center 

"At Focus Points, our mission is to build better communities by strengthening families,” said Jules Kelty, Executive Director of Focus Points Family Resource Center. "Health and safety - both emotional and physical - are essential for families to thrive. We are proud to partner with Denver Health to serve as a vaccination site, while also focusing on education to dispel misconceptions and alleviate anxieties in the Latinx and immigrant communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” said Cheri Gonzales, Development Manager.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25

Voces Unidas 

"We have rolled up our sleeves to temporarily operate vaccine equity clinics to show the ecosystem that it is possible to vaccinate Latinos in an equitable way when we reduce barriers and use proven, culturally competent strategies. Our results debunk the myth that hesitancy is to blame for why the traditional ecosystem has failed to vaccinate our community in an equitable way,” said Alex Sánchez, Executive Director.

Park Church 

“We are excited to help expand access to the vaccine to help keep our entire community safe. This is a small way we can help expand healthcare access for underserved populations in our community. It is a privilege to work alongside the state of Colorado in this effort,” said Ryan Gannett, Director of Operations.

Mercy Housing Inc.

“Mercy Housing is grateful to partner with the Governor’s Office to provide Coloradans living with low incomes safe and equitable access to Covid vaccines. Education and outreach are critical now more than ever. We are thankful that the Governor’s Office shares our compassion for people in need and believe that expanded access to vaccinations, while providing consistent, up-to-date CDC information, will get Colorado through the pandemic,” said Ismael Guerrero, Mercy Housing President & CEO.