Neuhaus, County Health Department Host Sweetheart Screening at Newburgh Armory, Draws Hundreds

County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the Orange County Department of Health brought Sweetheart Screening 2026 to the Newburgh Armory Unity Center and reached approximately 300 residents, conducting more than 170 clinical screenings on Feb. 14, 2026. The free event ran from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 321 South William Street in Newburgh and combined health services with community activities.

Organizers said the event offered blood pressure and cholesterol checks, vision screenings for children, skin cancer screenings, prostate-specific antigen blood tests, and clinical breast exams for the first 25 participants. Attendees also encountered food, raffles and prizes, a photo booth, a DJ, and a health seminar intended to pair preventive screening with accessible education.

Orangecountygov reported that about 23 community vendors staffed tables and roughly 33 staff members and volunteers assisted alongside unnamed local healthcare partners. County materials describe the event as a partnership between the county, local healthcare providers, and community organizations; the county’s post-event news flash provided the attendance and screening totals.

Neuhaus framed the event as both social and preventive. “Sweetheart Screening is a great way for our community to come together, have fun, and take care of our health,” Neuhaus said in pre-event materials. In the county’s post-event announcement he added, “I commend the Department of Health, our medical partners, and all the volunteers who made this event possible.” His statements emphasized the county’s aim to move preventive services into community spaces.

Public health leaders on-site highlighted early detection and equity. 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.” Laurisa Sampson, Director of Health Equity, added, “By bringing free screenings directly into the community, we help break down barriers to care and allow residents to take simple, important steps toward better health.”

The event followed an official county news release announcing Sweetheart Screening 2026 on Jan. 9, 2026, and local outlets had promoted the Valentine’s Day timing with the tagline “Bring your valentine and take advantage of free health screenings.” For follow-up information, media contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, is listed at 845-291-2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com; county social channels include OCNYDOH on Instagram and Facebook and @OrangeCountyNYGovt on Facebook.

Neuhaus framed the outcome as more than a single event: “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.”