Governor sets lottery to encourage vaccinations

For the record

RALEIGH – Governor Roy Cooper announced $ 4 million draws for Summer Cash and College Tuition to encourage North Carolinians to get their COVID-19 vaccines and thank those who have already done it.

Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will each receive $ 1 million and four North Carolinians 12-17 years of age will be tutored in post-secondary education, according to a release from Cooper’s office. Executive Order 219, approved by the North Carolina Council of State, approves the subscriptions.

North Carolinians 18 and older who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will automatically enter four drawings for a $ 1 million cash prize. Teens 12-17 years old who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will automatically be entered into four prize draws to win $ 125,000 for post-secondary education. The $ 125,000 can be used at any post-secondary facility and will be awarded in the form of an NC 529 account, according to the press release.

“This is your shot to a million. Regardless of who wins, there is no way to lose, ”Cooper said on Thursday. “A million dollar chance is pretty good motivation. But even if your name isn’t drawn, the worst thing you’ll do is get strong protection from a deadly virus. “

The $ 4 million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 college draws run from June 23rd to August 4th. All North Carolina residents 12 years of age and older who have received at least one dose of vaccine are eligible, with some restrictions. Those vaccinated on or after Thursday’s announcement will be reported twice for each draw, increasing the chance of winning for those newly vaccinated.

The drawing takes place every other week on Wednesdays, the first drawing on June 23. New entries will be closed on the Sunday before the drawing on Wednesday at midnight. The winners will be verified and then announced.

“Anyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccination is a winner,” said Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health. “They protect themselves, their loved ones and others from serious illness, hospitalization and death. Millions of people have already taken the vaccines. These summer cash drawings add another reward to the many that come with a COVID-19 vaccination. “

The drawings are part of the Bringing Summer Back to Leave Vaccine Campaign to raise awareness of the availability and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and to encourage North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible .

The vaccines have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective for anyone 12 years and older, according to Cooper’s press release.

North Carolina joins other states that have announced million dollar drawings to encourage vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to introduce such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations for people aged 16 and over in the first two weeks after the announcement.

The $ 4 million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College drawings will be used from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to fund the program. The draws are sponsored by the director of the North Carolina State Lottery. The grant funds are administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.

Learn more about the $ 4 million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College Drawings at SummerVaxCash.com.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and the state’s Bringing Summer Back initiative, visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or call 1-888-675-4567.

source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/governor-sets-lottery-to-encourage-vaccinations/