Butler County health districts to offer $20 restaurant coupon to those who get vaccinated

May 17—As Gov. Mike DeWine looks to make millionaires out of five inoculated Ohioans, Butler County will soon be giving a financial perk to those getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Following last week's announcement of the statewide initiative, Ohio Vax-a-Million, the county's three public health districts — Middletown, Hamilton and the county's General Health District ― will give those who are vaccinated a $20 coupon to participating Butler County restaurants. When the coupons will be distributed, and to which restaurants, is not yet set, said Erin Smiley, Butler County General Health District health promotion director.

"We'll have a better idea of the restaurants participating later this week. We are working with the chambers, (county) Visitors Bureau, and the county to finalize program components," she said, adding it's "too early to answer" if previously those vaccinated in Butler County will receive the $20-off coupon.

Butler County Health Commissioner Jennifer Bailer said the program will be funded by the BC Cares Initiative.

"This is a win-win for the entire community," she said. "It stimulates growth and opportunity for our businesses, while also keeping our residents safe, healthy and protected from COVID. This is good for everyone."

Through Sunday, more than 151,200 people have started the vaccination process in Butler County, which represents nearly 40 percent of the county's population, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Around 86.6 of those that started the vaccination process have completed it.

The county general health district has not specified if previously vaccinated people by public health in Middletown, Hamilton or Butler County will receive the $20 coupon.

The Vax-A-Million program was announced last week where for over the course of five weeks, starting May 26, one Ohioan who has been vaccinated will be chosen to win $1 million paid for from the state's unexpended coronavirus relief funds. They must also opt-in, which they can do starting Tuesday at www.ohiovaxamillion.com or by calling 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

To encourage vaccinations among children 17 and under, the state will draw five names of inoculated children who will be awarded a full four-year scholarship to any of Ohio's state colleges and universities, which includes full tuition, room and board, and books. This drawing also starts next week.

The two drawings will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health with assistance from the Ohio Lottery Commission.

People can sign up at Butler County's vaccination drive-thru clinic at the county fairgrounds, though registration is not required. The clinics are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday at the Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton.

Those wishing to register for Wednesday, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DA5AF2EABF9C52-bcghd179

Those wishing to register for Friday, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DA5AF2EABF9C52-bcghd180