As the first Latino-created 501(c)(3) non-profit in the region, Voces Unidas is committed to ensuring that Latinos have equitable access to the vaccine against COVID-19.
For us, vaccine equity means advocating for better strategies but also modeling how that work should be done in our communities.
We started to model a promotora program to assist individuals who now qualify for the vaccine to schedule appointments with local hospitals and clinics so that they can get their vaccine quicker. To date, we have helped 42 people get a vaccine with a local partner clinic like Mountain Family Health Center. We have also assisted another 160 people with direct assistance and COVID-related health education.
After many months of advocacy at the state level to add more equity in the vaccination program, Voces Unidas is now rolling up our sleeves to offer free vaccine clinics in our valleys, in partnership with the Governor's Vaccine Equity Team, the Colorado Department of Public Health, and local partners. These strategic clinics ensure more access points for Latinos who are being left behind unintentionally by traditional health care systems.
To date, Voces Unidas staff and volunteers have vaccinated 219 people with a first dose and 198 with a second dose.
Our next Voces Unidas clinic for first doses is scheduled for March 13 in Glenwood Springs. People age 60 or older, essential workers like grocery store and restaurant workers and individuals with two or more chronic illnesses now qualify for the vaccine. This clinic will be a drive thru. Latinos who qualify for the vaccine can sign up here. To find another location for the vaccine anywhere in Colorado, call 1-877-268-2926.
Voces Unidas has also launched a Spanish radio campaign to promote vaccine safety and increase Latino participation in the vaccination program.
To learn more about our vaccine equity work or to partner with us on the vaccine clinics, please contact Janet Herrera at janet@vocesunidas.org.