Local nonprofit holds 70th vaccine clinic, expands health and legal services

Comite de Bienestar held its 70th vaccine clinic in San Luis, Arizona on December 11, marking the nonprofit's final health event of the year. The clinic grew out of an effort that began in 2020 with COVID 19 vaccines and has evolved into a broader community health initiative offering services from more than 10 local agencies.

The program has delivered substantial outreach in Yuma County, administering more than 26,000 vaccinations since it began. "We have done more than 26,000 vaccinations. Probably saved thousands of lives with prevention and it’s part of the effort that the county makes to get the health department to the communities," said Tony Reyes, Comite de Bienestar Executive Director. Local officials and partner agencies use the clinics to provide not only immunizations but also health screenings, information and legal assistance targeted to community needs.

The clinics aim to lower barriers to care for residents who would otherwise need to travel to larger centers. "People can't attend those meetings. It would take a full day to go to yuma to get the vaccinations when they can get it here in the community in less than half an hour or an hour," said Reyes. By bringing services into San Luis, the nonprofit reduces lost work time and transportation burdens, factors that matter for families, seasonal workers and people with limited mobility.

The event on December 11 served as a one stop opportunity for vaccinations and agency referrals, with staff on site to connect residents to follow up care and to provide information about ongoing resources. Organizers said the clinics strengthen local ties between the county health department and underserved neighborhoods by making preventive care more accessible.

Comite de Bienestar plans to continue vaccination clinics into next year, maintaining the mobile outreach that began during the pandemic and expanding the array of services offered. For Yuma County residents, the program remains a convenient local option to stay current on immunizations and access broader health and legal support without traveling to distant clinics.