RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday the creation of a lottery-style drawing, using at least $4 million from the state’s coronavirus relief funds to give four $1 million prizes. The drawings will also include four teenage winners, with funds established to aid in post-secondary education.
“This is your shot at a million. Regardless of who wins, there’s no way to lose,” said Gov. Cooper. “A chance at a million dollars is pretty good motivation. But even if your name isn’t drawn, the worst you’ll do is get strong protection from a deadly virus.”
An email from the governor’s office states that North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into the four drawings for a chance to win one of the $1 million cash prizes.
Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account, the email states.
In May, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the first lottery-style drawing to boost vaccinations and was followed by other states such as Maryland and New York. The Ohio health department stated they did see vaccination rates tick up two weeks after the announcement.
The drawings will run from June 23 through Aug. 4.
“Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccination is a winner,” said N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen.
