Bringing vaccine to the African-American community via important events this weekend  

SANTA FE -- Following Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s announcement that New Mexico has reached 60% of New Mexicans with completed vaccination series, the state will continue to make COVID-19 vaccine widely accessible - including through a series of events this weekend.

These events will include COVID-19 vaccination booths, prize wheels, and radio remotes from members of the community. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, and infections disproportionately impacted communities of color, including African-Americans. We have a chance to protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated.” said DOH Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins. 

View Dr. Collins’ video statement on Juneteenth. 

Approximately 38 percent of the African-American community in New Mexico have completed their vaccination series.

“The Juneteenth theme this year is ‘To a Higher Ground’, which means to me we keep climbing from the solid foundation that was laid by our ancestors. African-Americans have always contributed to the shaping and development of this country through our gifts, talents and numerous sacrifices. As a veteran, I want to recognize and salute those who served our nation and state during that pivotal time in our history through military service…we are forever grateful and we will never forget,” said Department of Veterans Services Secretary Sonya Smith. 

View Secretary Smith’s video statement on Juneteenth. 

“This weekend as we celebrate Juneteenth, we celebrate our freedoms and the resilience of our community. We need to make sure to do something equally as important for our communities, including making sure we are protecting ourselves and each other from this COVID-19 pandemic. I want to encourage you to understand what is the truth about these vaccines and what is a myth, and get out there and decide for yourself what is the right choice to make.” said Executive Director of the Office of African American Affairs, Amy Whitfield. 

View Director Whitfield’s video statement on Juneteenth. 

“As a Black American and native Texan, for me Juneteenth represents both a joyous celebration of human freedom and a stark reminder that these freedoms were necessitated by unspeakable brutality, that they were hard won over centuries and across battlefields, and that laws and proclamations by themselves are not enough to guarantee our freedoms. As citizens, I hope we can collectively take every June 19th to reflect on our responsibility to constantly advocate for universal human freedoms, equality, and solidarity,” said Public Education Department Secretary Ryan Stewart.

Below is a list of weekend events that will include easy access to vaccinations and on-site incentives:

New Mexicans who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination may opt in to the Vax 2 the Max sweepstakes at vax2themaxNM.org. To be eligible for the $5 million grand prize - to be awarded in early August - New Mexicans must have completed their vaccination series. New Mexicans can schedule their shots at vaccineNM.org.