ATL Standard

A Metro Atlanta health clinic is offering free $50 gift cards to residents who turn out to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

In a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta, Mike Conaway, executive director of Healing Bridge Clinic, told the news organization the Peachtree City clinic provides free medical care to those who otherwise cannot afford it. Despite this, he said free healthcare is often not enough to convince some—including poor and minority patients—to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, leading to a grant program offering free vaccinations and $50 Kroger gift cards for every shot. 

“That’s a game-changer for these families when it comes to putting gas in the car or buying groceries. You know, getting what they need that you and I might take for granted," Conaway told FOX 5 Atlanta.

With medical officials across the state stressing that COVID-19 vaccination rates are drastically lower in poorer neighborhoods and minority communities, the campaign hopes to increase the number of people being vaccinated in those areas, FOX 5 Atlanta reports. 

According to the report, funding for the $50 Kroger Grocery Store gift cards has been made possible through a government grant program that also covers the cost of the vaccinations targeted to underserved poor and minority communities.  

A healthcare worker that deals directly with the patients at Healing Bridge Clinic told FOX 5 this comes as residents in the area still have trust issues when it comes to taking the shot and still aren't fully educated about how the vaccines work to protect them.

While the Healing Bridge Clinic only serves residents in Fayette County, those interested may be able to find a similar clinic in other Georgia counties, according to the report.