COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Julissa Soto of Latino Health Equity Consulting have launched a new community outreach initiative called One School, One Vaccine at a Time (Una Escuela, Una Vacuna a la Vez).
The program aims to give families better access to immunizations through vaccine clinics in partnership with local school districts and healthcare providers. The first clinic launched Monday night at the Harrison School District 2 administration building in Colorado Springs.
Julissa Soto, Vice Chair of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, said she hopes the campaign gives more families access to health care, especially Hispanic families.
"A lot of these families don't speak the language, their status might be uncertain and they might be afraid to go to clinics or federally qualified health centers," said Soto. "I used to struggle very much with the healthcare system... just to make one appointment it was almost impossible because I didn't speak the language."
Colorado requires K-12 students to have six vaccinations to prevent the spread of infections like measles, mumps, and chickenpox.
The next clinic is at Fox Meadow Middle School on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organizations said they plan to host more clinics across Harrison School District 2 this year.
___
'It was chaotic': Former UCCS leader files federal complaint against school after deadly campus shooting
In the wake of a deadly shooting at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) in February, a former school leader has filed a federal complaint against the university, claiming the college was not prepared for the crisis.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
