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 efforts, the State of Colorado is allocating vaccines to community-based organizations. All of these clinics focus on vaccinating underserved Coloradans and span a variety of diverse communities.
“The state of Colorado along with dozens of community organizations are committed to getting a vaccine to everyone who wants one. This lifesaving vaccine works, it's proven to be one of the most highly effective vaccines out there, ” said Governor Jared Polis. “Here in Colorado, we want to make it easy for everyone to access this vaccine no matter your age, immigration or income status, or whether you have healthcare coverage or not. It’s easier than ever before and completely free to get the vaccine. Mark your calendars today to plan your vaccine visit to get protected.”
We encourage everyone interested in an appointment to check availability with each organization and schedule an appointment in advance.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30
Joy’s Kitchen
"We are so pleased to have been able to offer the vaccine to our volunteer team and guests. Accessing this resource enables us to further address the underlying hunger issue in our area by giving us the ability to serve safely and effectively. This opportunity affords us all so much more room to step into the community again to make a difference in this world,” said Kathy Stanley, Founder.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley
“The Boys and Girls Club of the SLV is very excited to provide a place for our community to come and receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Keeping our community and children safe is a priority of ours. We hope that everyone goes out and gets the vaccine, let's protect each other!” said Olga Montano, Extended Learning Program Coordinator.
STRIVE Prep
"COVID-19 has had such a harsh impact on so many communities and especially those communities that are historically underserved. Being able to host vaccine clinics and partner with the CDPHE is just one small, and very important, way we can better serve our families and the broader community. STRIVE Prep is more than a neighborhood school, we are a community hub and often a beacon for our families’ health and well-being,” said Andrew Huber, Chief Operations Officer.
SATURDAY, MAY 1
Inside Out Youth Services
"We know LGBTQ+ Coloradans, especially LGBTQ+ Coloradans of color are disproportionately impacted by health inequities, and many lack access to competent and inclusive healthcare. That's why we are thrilled to partner with the state in this equity clinic. Together we can ensure LGBTQ+ people have a trusted community space to safely access a powerful and effective vaccine. We also know from our equity survey that 74% of LGBTQ+ people in El Paso County who have not received the vaccine want to get more information about its safety & effectiveness. Inside Out Youth Services is proud to do our part to help make the vaccine available and support education for our community. After all, the LGBTQ+ community is a resilient community and caring for each other is a core part of who we are,” said Jessie Pocock, Executive Director.
Kids At Their Best
“Knowing the difficulty in finding a site in rural Colorado, and in finding one that is available around working hours, Kids At Their Best, is excited to be able to host an equity clinic in the Morgan County area. Clinics are complicated and we are happy to be a part of the Equity Clinics program, knowing that quality and trained staff will be arriving to work with our local team to best serve our community is inspiring. We welcome anyone to our clinic and will have it staffed with an array of Morgan County people. Translations services will be available,” said Jodi Walker, Founder/CEO.
Rangeview High School
“The Rangeview Social Justice Club, student members, initiated a community clinic for Rangeview students and family members. The students want to come back to school, socialize, learn and make positive memories. Helping our community gain access to the safe vaccine and making sure all of Colorado can have access to this opportunity,” said Stephanie D. Walsh, Teacher- Social Studies.
MONDAY, MAY 3
Coffee at The Point
"Coffee at the Point is thankful for the opportunity to make COVID vaccinations more accessible to our community. Governor Polis has shown great consideration by implementing Vaccines for All. We thank him, as well as the many volunteers working to make this program possible,” said Rachel Clark, Store Manager.
TUESDAY, MAY 4
A C Enterprises LLC/ Trinity UMC Food Pantry
“As the owner of Able Care Mobile Therapy, COVID-19 has been hard on our providers and our patients. I struggled to find vaccines for our Providers and know the toll it has taken on our patients, both mentally and physically. We can't get our loved ones vaccinated quick enough. That's why when Governor Polis put out the call to providers in January we answered. Mobile is our middle name! I knew that we were in the unique position to help our neighbors by taking COVID-19 vaccination clinics "mobile". I have been working closely with the state since then to make sure that I was getting it right as we serve our community.
I set out in my own neighborhood of Old Colorado City and found a wonderful partner with the Trinity UMC Food Pantry. They are as eager to serve their community as we are. We currently are scheduling appointments, but as supply allows we will accept walk-ups and have on-site registration assistance available. I am excited to be making the Covid-19 vaccine available to those who may be struggling to get to one of the larger sites, need a little assistance scheduling their appointments or who just prefer to stay closer to home,” said Lynn Peier, Founder.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
Pikes Peak Library District / Sand Creek
“The Library is here to connect people with information, resources and services. We appreciate the opportunity to host a clinic at Sand Creek Library in partnership with the Governor’s Office so more community members who want access to the vaccine have an opportunity to get it,” said Teona Shainidze Krebs, Chief Public Services Officer and Deputy Chief Librarian for Pikes Peak Library District.
Iora Primary Care, Arvada Practice
"We are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with CDPHE to provide the much needed covid vaccines to our higher risk, elderly population. Iora Primary Care strives to find ways to best serve our patients daily; it's been a pleasure partnering with an organization with the same values,” said Sarah Whitters, Care Team Manager at Iora Primary Care in Arvada.
Barnum Rec Center/ MLK Rec Center/ Montbello Rec Center/ Bear Valley Library*
“Equity has driven and shaped our planning around vaccine distribution from the very beginning. This pandemic disproportionately impacted our communities of color, which is why Denver prioritized getting vaccines into these communities through these no-barriers clinics,” said Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of Denver.
Link to photos at MLK Rec Center
Link to photos at Montbello Rec Center
*Bear Valley Library Vaccine Clinic will be held on May 6.
St. Benedict Health and Healing Ministry
“St. Benedict Health and Healing Ministry is working to close the racial and socioeconomic Coronavirus vaccine gap. We are going out into communities with our mobile clinic providing free vaccinations - no appointment necessary. We strive for peace and justice among all people respecting the dignity of every human being, and increasing access for everyone is the right thing to do!” said Shelly Dierking, Executive Director.