Weld County, CO, April 28, 2021 – The second COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals who received their first dose at Connections for Independent Living’s April 9 clinic is scheduled for Friday, May 7. Hosted at Connections’ offices at 1331 8th Avenue in Greeley, the 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. clinic is in partnership with Governor Jared Polis’ Colorado Vaccines for All plan.
At the April 9 clinic, 96 Coloradans received the Moderna vaccine. The majority of these individuals were persons who live with disabling conditions. Many found scheduling or attending one of the other regional vaccination clinics to be a barrier to receiving the vaccine. Connections was selected as a vaccine equity clinic site owing to Governor Polis’ ongoing efforts to ensure that every state resident has equal access to vaccines.
Some participants who received vaccinations are clients with Envision, a Weld County organization that enhances the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “I want to thank Connections for Independent Living for hosting a vaccination clinic and reaching out to Envision to schedule people we support to receive the vaccine,” said Celeste Ewert, the organization’s Executive Director. “So often, people with disabilities face isolation when there isn’t a pandemic, and this year has been even more challenging to help connect and integrate people into the community. We appreciate the efforts of Connections for Independent Living to help get the people we support vaccinated, and bringing them one step closer to reconnecting to the community!”
“Collaborating with Envision, ARC of Weld County, and the Weld Food Bank has been extremely important to assist that everyone who wants a vaccine gets one,” said Rochelle Mitchell-Miller, Connections’ Executive Director. “Connections is forging relationships with other agencies, such as Sunrise Community Health, to ensure that all vaccine clinics and information about the vaccine is accessible to every community member.”
The May 7 clinic will provide the necessary second vaccination shot for each participant.
Connections will remain active in the COVID-19 vaccination process. Planning is underway to begin a complimentary transportation service for registered consumers to attend one of the Greeley area clinics to receive their vaccinations. Special attention will be offered to those who need transportation accommodations for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Connections will also provide American Sign Language interpreting free of charge at area clinics for anyone in the deaf/hard of hearing community who wants a vaccine.
- We Can Help: Contact Connections by telephone at (970) 352-8682 if you need transportation assistance to a vaccination clinic, or if you need an ASL interpreter.
Connections for Independent Living is a non-residential, participant-controlled nonprofit Independent Living Center that promotes independent living and the empowerment of all persons with disabilities. The organization is one of nine certified Independent Living Centers throughout Colorado and since 1986 has specifically served individuals in seven northeastern counties.
