Governor Polis Announces Final Colorado Comeback Cash $1 Million, Scholarship Winners & Provides Update on State’s Vaccination Efforts

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis provided an update on Colorado’s vaccination efforts. 

“Everyone who got vaccinated is a winner, and we hope that there are even more winners protected from the deadly virus in the coming days with the free, safe, effective vaccine. Colorado has made strong progress in the fight against COVID-19. Across our state, more than 70% of Coloradans have rolled up their sleeves to receive the lifesaving, free, and completely safe COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Polis. “ For five Coloradans, doing their part gave them the opportunity to win $1 million. And for our youngest Coloradans ages 12 to 17, being brave and getting the vaccine resulted in 25 students receiving a $50,0000 scholarship. You have nothing to lose by getting the vaccine, only so much to win including protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community from this awful virus. We need every Coloradan to step up and get this incredibly effective vaccine.” 

As of Tuesday, July 6th, 70% (70.25%) of adult Coloradans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, marking a milestone in the state’s efforts to end the pandemic. 

Governor Polis was joined by Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Colorado’s COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign Manager Tara Trujillo and Brigadier General Scott Sherman. 

“We’ve reached a remarkable milestone and could not have done it without the tireless efforts of the workers at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the state’s 53 local public health agencies, health equity partners, vaccine providers throughout the state, and you, the residents of Colorado,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE Executive Director. 

“We are proud to be among the top states to have reached the milestone of more than 70 percent. That’s 7 out of 10 adults who are vaccinated now in this state,” said Tara Trujillo, Colorado’s COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign Manager. “We want to make sure that teens and their families can have conversations about the vaccine with doctors they know and trust, especially as we get ready to send our kids back to school. We are continuing to do everything we can.” 

Governor Polis also announced the winners of the final round of Colorado Comeback Cash Scholarship drawing, as well as the fifth and final $1 million winner. 

Heidi Russell of Aurora is the latest Coloradan to win $1 million for getting vaccinated. The final scholarship winners are: Megan (17) of Loveland, Lily Casey (12) of Windsor, Zerisinay Tsige (17) of Greely, Quentin Ryan (13) of Boulder, and Delaney Frank (16) of Frederick. 

“ We are very grateful for the brilliant minds of scientists, researchers, manufacturers, and government leaders that have enabled this vaccine to come to fruition. To create a safe and effective vaccine in less than a year is a miracle,” said Heidi Russell, a mother of four who is Colorado’s fifth and final $1 million winner. “Having three school-age children this past year has been difficult. But my family and I are excited to go back to being in school full-time and gaining back our sense of normalcy. I recognize that hitting our state goal of over 70% of adults being vaccinated has helped my family to accomplish this goal.” 

View today’s press conference.