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 and as well as continuing to conduct mobile vaccine clinics at multiple locations across the state. All of these clinics focus on vaccinating underserved Coloradans and span a variety of diverse communities. 

“Colorado is determined to end this pandemic and return to our normal way of life. Community partners throughout the state are a really important part of our state’s journey back to an even stronger Colorado. My administration is proud of the efforts to distribute this lifesaving vaccine equitably across all of our state’s diverse communities, and we won’t rest until every single person who wants a vaccine can get one. We’re all in this together, Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

We encourage everyone interested in an appointment to check availability with each organization and schedule an appointment in advance. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

Family Tree Inc.

“As part of Governor Polis’ efforts to ensure that every person in Colorado has access to a vaccine, Family Tree, Inc. in conjunction with Lakewood United Methodist Church worked with CDPHE and Jeffco Public health to set up a vaccine equity clinic site on April 16th. The focus on the clinic was to serve BIPOC populations and people who face barriers to accessing health care for people ages 18 or older specifically people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence. In addition, Connect for Health Colorado supported the clinic by providing a generous donation,” said Denise Berridge, Human Resources Director.

Second Chance Center & Zion Church

“SCC works with returning citizens to help them become the best possible version of themselves, and a big part of that is being a part of a larger community.  We know that the work we do, helping people transition to lives of success and fulfillment, is a matter of community health and safety, so stepping into this space is a natural progression of our mission.  These events are also supported by Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment and the Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity team to ensure that vaccines are available to all!” said Alok Sarwal, Executive Director of Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

African Leadership Group

"The African Leadership Group is proud to participate with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in the state’s vaccination program by hosting a clinic at our Aurora offices on Saturday, April 17. We know that immigrant communities can at times be difficult to reach with public awareness campaigns, and we have worked hard to ensure a strong turnout of people in need of a vaccine. Because the state has been so generous with its number of doses, we would also like to extend an invitation to our vaccine clinic to the public at large. Together we can put this pandemic behind us!", said Papa Dia, Founder and Executive Director.

Grand County Public Health

“Grand County Public Health is working towards equitable offerings of the vaccine in our community and know many of our residents work during the week, have issues with transportation, have not yet had an opportunity to make an appointment with their provider or attend one of our weekday clinics offering COVID-19 Vaccine.  Our Mass POD Clinic event scheduled for April 17th & 18th will provide that opportunity for our residents and surrounding communities,” said Abbie Baker, MPH, Director and L. Ellen Parri, Deputy Director.

Colorado Community Clinic

“On behalf of Sewa International, we are very pleased to participate in Governor Polis' Vaccine for All efforts,” said Ranga Vinjamuri, Vice President, and Atul Saini, Colorado Chapter Coordinator.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Church/ Ethiopian Tewahedo Church

“COVID-19 has shined a larger light on the healthcare disparities people of color experience. The work to ensure that vaccines are available to our underserved communities is an integral part of health equity. We must get Colorado and our economy to a newer, more equitable normal,” said Naquetta Ricks, State Representative HD 40.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Global Village Academy in Aurora 

“Global Village Academy - Aurora is designed and desires to be a true  “beacon” school in the Aurora community. We offer FREE K-8 Immersion language development in French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese at our charter school. We want to also have a positive community impact on Aurora in any way possible. We wanted to provide convenient access to our diverse Aurora community with being a convenient vaccination site for anyone. Our goal was to open our building to this needed service. We also wanted to truly support this effort of other educators with these efforts. We value working with Ms. Price and look forward to our other vaccination days,” said Christopher J Denmark, Executive Principal and Middle School Principal. 

Vuela for Health- Centro San Juan Diego

“Vuela for Health has been able to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to an underserved community. This is possible due to the resources we are given by CDPHE, and Gov. Polis to educate our community in the importance of getting vaccinated. Thank you very much on behalf of Denver’s Latino Community. About 1500 members of Denver’s Hispanic Community are now fully vaccinated. Thank you Gov. Polis for caring and for allowing our organization - Vuela for Health - to bring hope to our community,” said Diana Pineda, Founder. 

MONDAY, APRIL 19

ICCS-Adams 

"Intervention Community Corrections Services in Adams County is excited to partner with the State of Colorado in hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for our clients.  We are thankful the State reserves some vaccines and conducts these clinics for those in our community who are disproportionately impacted from COVID-19 and have greater difficulty accessing services,” said Danielle Padgett, Program Manager. 

ICCS- Boulder 

"Intervention Community Corrections Services in Boulder is excited to partner with the State of Colorado in hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for our clients.  We are thankful the State reserves some vaccines and conducts these clinics for those in our community who are disproportionately impacted from COVID-19 and have greater difficulty accessing services,” said Brian Hulse, Executive Director. 

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church 

“Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church is a church that serves the community and we feel a strong sense of mission calling us to assist in these vaccination efforts by getting the vaccine into the arms of our neighbors so they are protected from this disease,” said Rev. Sheri Fry. 

Retail Services at Stanley Marketplace 

“Working with the Governor to set up an equitable vaccination site for personal services workers, QTBIPOC and other marginalized community members is so important to the larger mission for Base Coat. One that is focused on creating a safe space for everyone. We look forward to welcoming everyone next week to Stanley Marketplace and continuing to support Colorado’s vaccination efforts,” said Tran Wills, Founder. 

Calvary Baptist Church 

"Calvary Baptist Church of Denver is hosting our first COVID-19 vaccine clinic, in partnership with Denver Health, to offer a welcoming and accessible event to our congregation and neighbors in Southeast Denver. We know that institutions of faith offer trusted and familiar gathering space in the face of crises like this pandemic. We believe that we can play a role in protecting our neighbors while we connect virtually, and as a way to accelerate the milestones toward our own safe re-opening soon,” said Ian Fletcher, Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Coordinator.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

Arvada United Methodist Church/ Community Table of Arvada 

“We want everyone to get a vaccine, and we want to make sure that people who experience significant barriers or have disabilities can go to a clinic that is accessible and accommodating. BCPH is proud to partner to host an accessible and accommodating clinic where people with disabilities can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Angela Simental, Communications Manager.

Pathways Family Wellness Center/ Homeward Bound 

“We are very pleased to have this opportunity to provide Covid Vaccinations to this vulnerable population.  We at Pathways and HBGV feel that it is important to have appropriate education and access to Covid vaccines to keep this community healthy.  Many of our clients do not have adequate transportation or access to the other vaccination sites.  This opportunity increases equity of care and decreases disparity within the healthcare system for vulnerable populations,” said Ona Ridgway DNP, APRN, FNP- BC.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

Light of Christ Church 

“In partnership with the Governor's office and the CDPHE, the Light of Christ Church is delighted to have completed the first dose vaccination clinic and look forward to the second dose clinic next week. It has been a joy to see the government and local institutions (the church in this case) partner in efficient ways to serve communities, especially in ways that enhance equity in distribution,” said Donald Nwankwo, Rector.

Movement 5280  

“Movement 5280 is looking forward to the opportunity of hosting an Equity Vaccine Clinic provided by Gov. Polis as an initiative for the State of CO for some of our most vulnerable population; the homeless community.  The community we serve are youth and young adults, disabled, families and people over 50 who are living on the streets, in a local shelter or on a motel voucher. Though our hope is to provide the one dose J&J vaccine for this challenged demographic, we will still provide the Moderna as an alternative option,” said Tami Slipher, Director of Operations & Programs.