The Orange County Department of Health, in collaboration with County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and various local partners, held the “Sweetheart Screening” event at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center on February 14th. The free community health initiative drew around 300 residents and included participation from 23 community vendors as well as 33 staff members, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals.
County Executive Neuhaus stated, “I commend the Department of Health, our medical partners, and all the volunteers who made this event possible. By working together and offering these important screening events, we are creating healthier communities and helping residents take proactive steps toward improving their health and well-being.”
Over 170 clinical screenings were provided during the event. Services offered included skin cancer screenings by Vanguard Dermatology, blood pressure checks from the Orange County Medical Reserve Corps, prostate PSA blood tests administered by Mount Sinai Health System, clinical breast exams by Cornerstone Family Healthcare, and eye exams through Lions Club International.
Lisa Lahiff, Deputy Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Health said, “Early detection saves lives. Events like Sweetheart Screening strengthen public health by bringing essential services directly into the community and reinforcing the importance of preventive care.”
Educational presentations were also part of the program. Speakers included Chloe Vital from Mid-Hudson Chocolate Milk; Tracy Wallace representing Independent Living; Dr. Sandeep Malik specializing in Hematology/Oncology at Montefiore Medical Group; and Dr. Evan Kaminer from Lenox Hill Radiology.
A total of twenty-three organizations participated as vendors to provide education and resources for attendees. The initiative supports Orange County’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Cancer Collaborative programs that focus on increasing screening rates, building partnerships within healthcare providers, and reducing disparities in access to preventive care.
Laurisa Sampson, Director of Health Equity at the Orange County Department of Health said: “When access to care is difficult to find, we bring it directly to our community, because health grows here in Orange County, NY. Each positive step forward in your health journey is a step closer to living a longer, healthier life.”
Residents can follow updates about future screenings or health events via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ocnydoh/) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OCNYDOH). For further information or media inquiries contact Rebecca Sheehan at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].
Social media channels are also available for updates from County Executive Neuhaus (@Steve.Neuhaus) and Orange County Government (@OrangeCountyNYGovt) across Facebook, Instagram (@Steve.Neuhaus), and X (formerly Twitter) (@SNeuhausOC).
Additional resources include the Blueprint Orange video series showcasing county projects as well as episodes of NeuCast—currently featuring content about West Point Museum—available on the county government website.
