On Wednesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (pictured) made a lengthy statement discussing the effects of the pandemic and how locals can improve the state’s chance of recovery.
The biggest reveal was part of the Ohio State-wide Drawings, in which those who get the shot are entered into a draw worth $1m. Those who can enter must be 18 or over, an Ohio resident and be vaccinated before the drawing to win.
On May 26, someone will be drawn at random to win the $1m jackpot.
DeWine said that the draw will not be a one-off, and a winner will be announced every Wednesday for five weeks, with each winner getting $1m.
The Ohio Department of Health will be the sponsoring agency for the drawings and the Ohio Lottery will conduct them. DeWine said that the $5m will come from existing federal coronavirus relief funds.
Dubbed the Ohio-Vax-a-Million, the initiative is just one creative way in which Ohio is encouraging people to get the vaccine.
In addition, The Reds, Indians and minor league teams will offer discounts on tickets to their games, while White Castle will offer customers a free butter cake, and Kroger $100 in cash.
DeWine said that “Getting our 12 to 17-year-olds vaccinated is so important that we will have a separate incentive for them.”
Since the $1m can only be claimed by adults, those aged between 12 and 17 will have the chance to win a full four-year scholarship at Ohio State universities.
The winner for this will be announced on the same day as the $1m draw and will also happen every Wednesday for five weeks.
Younger people who have been vaccinated can also start registering on an electronic portal by May 18, and further details around the state initiatives will be provided in the following days.
In the public statement, Governor Mike DeWine added: “I know that some may say, ‘DeWine, you’re crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money.’ But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic, when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it, is a life lost to Covid-19.”
