Rhode Island Reaches Third COVID-19 Vaccine Challenge Milestone

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island reached its third vaccine challenge milestone this week, triggering $10,000 donations to 15 nonprofits in the state.

The Vaccine Challenge awards grants to nonprofit organizations instrumental in the state's COVID-19 response every time the state administers another 5,000 new, first coronavirus vaccines. Since the challenge was launched in early July, the Rhode Island Department of Health has recorded more than 15,000 doses across the state.

"It takes a team to get the job done, and Rhode Island is lucky to have so many nonprofits stepping up to keep us safe, support vaccination efforts and help those in need," Gov. Dan McKee said. "Over the last few weeks, we continue to see increases in demand for vaccinations – that’s great news for our collective public health and great news for our nonprofits in the RI Gives Vax Challenge. We know that vaccines are our best tool to keep our communities healthy. If you haven’t yet, get your shot."

The third round of grants were awarded to Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, RI Center for Justice, Oasis International, Higher Ground International, Project Undercover, Housing Network, Conexion Latina, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Newport Community School, East Bay Food Pantry, DaVinci Center for Community Progress, American Red Cross – RI Chapter, Better Lives Rhode Island and Man Up.

"It is inspiring to see Rhode Islanders stepping up to help organizations that are delivering food, housing and health care to those most affected by the pandemic. But make no mistake, more resources will be necessary. The need is not going away," said Neil D. Steinberg, the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, the state's financial partner in the initiative.

There will be two more rounds of grants: $180,000 to 18 nonprofits in the fourth round and $200,000 to 20 nonprofits in the fifth and final round. The funding will be awarded at the next two 5,000-dose marks.

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• Should Fully Vaccinated Rhode Islanders Wear A Mask? Probably.