GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — In addition to drought and record-setting heat, Mesa County, Colorado remains in the fight with another familiar foe: COVID-19.
Recent outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus and its highly contagious variants, combined with some of the state's lowest vaccination rates, have pressured the Mesa County Public Health Department to respond. Together with community partners, the department launched a vaccination sweepstakes that coincides with the state’s “Colorado Comeback Cash” weekly drawing.
Dubbed the Big Shot Giveaway, Mesa County’s sweepstakes hopes to incentivize people to get the COVID-19 vaccination with cold, hard cash. Each week until the end of July, two vaccinated residents (who have either their first or second dose) will receive $500. The pool of winners comes from people who register on Mesa County Public Health’s website within a week of getting either dose of the vaccine.
Fully vaccinated residents have the chance to win the jackpot, which is capped at $90,000. Each time someone gets vaccinated, the jackpot—which as of June 14 had $52,565 in it—will increase by one dollar.
Anyone who has received a COVID-19 vaccination in Mesa County can sign up to win the grand prize.