California Launches You Call the Shot Program

California has launched its “You Call the Shot California” program, which encourages residents to begin and complete the COVID-19 vaccination process before the state plans to fully reopen on June 15. The first 2 million eligible Californians to start and finish the vaccination process will be given a choice of a $50 digital incentive disbursed by global payments and incentives provider Blackhawk Network.

The $100 million program provides recipients with popular rewards they will receive soon after two vaccinations. In addition, this will help to drive flexible spending that contributes to the state’s economy.

“We recently conducted research that found monetary incentives, even modest ones, could be an effective option for encouraging vaccine adoption. Our data also showed that monetary incentives could inspire half of respondents to encourage their family members to get vaccinated,” said Talbott Roche, CEO and president of Blackhawk Network. “The digital payment solutions we are providing to the state of California give Californians choice in incentives, more than one way to redeem and are available quickly.” Prepaid and gift cards have been critical in helping government agencies and nonprofits distribute relief during the pandemic and other emergency scenarios. In the last 12 months alone, Blackhawk’s U.S. disaster disbursements have grown by 90 percent as demand for relief has skyrocketed.