Wausau’s Juneteenth Celebration drew 400 attendees

WIPPS program, H2N, partnered with event organizers to provide free vaccine clinic

The Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N) partnered with Wausau’s first Juneteenth Celebration to provide a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The event brought 400 people to Wausau’s Whitewater Music Hall to celebrate the June 19 holiday.

Attendees were able to commemorate the holiday with speakers, live music, vendors, and food. The H2N clinic provided 18 people with COVID-19 vaccinations and supplied resources to those who may be hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccinations were administered by the National Guard. Those who were already vaccinated had a chance to participate in a selfie contest to win a $50 Target gift card.

“I had a great time volunteering for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Juneteenth celebration in Wausau,” said Doua Chee Xiong, Community Health Internship Program intern. “It felt fantastic to not only help the clinic run smoothly, but also to converse with those interested in getting vaccinated and to see concerns and questions being answered.”

“I am extremely grateful to be a part of multiple organizations that aim to make Wausau a safer community for all,” said Miah Medina, African American Community Coordinator for H2N.

H2N is a collaborative project of WIPPS, Asociación Hispana-Americana, Hmong American Center, Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin, Wausau Free Clinic, and other community partners. The project was developed in 2020 to provide racial and ethnic minority groups with resources and tools to better withstand the COVID-19 pandemic.