Healthcare Listening Session In Newburgh

NEWBURGH – Dozens gathered on Saturday to voice their visions for access to healthcare in the City of Newburgh during a community listening session at Sacred Heart School’s Gallo Hall.

The event was hosted by Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan in partnership with the Orange County and New York State Departments of Health. Newburgh residents had the opportunity to speak on several issues, and representatives from the departments of health were there to listen.

“We really want to get folks to mobilize as a community,” said Caitlin O’Brien of the Orange County Health Department. “This effort is going to be a really good change. It targets the focus on health.”

“Health outcomes aren’t at the same level as they are for folks in Orange County and New York State,” O’Brien said. “There’s earlier death rates and chronic disease. Hearing what community residents are saying and their priorities is the most important thing now.”
For Newburgh resident Lydia Guzman, the issue of treatment for substance abuse should be a priority for the City of Newburgh.

“For people who use drugs, they need intervention and that will help them,” Guzman said. “That’s what I want to be recognized. Jail is not the answer for [addicts].”

Newburgh resident Georgy Fajardo was concerned that local politicians did not make an appearance on Saturday.

“We’ve got so many problems in this city, and then the politicians don’t show up for anything,” Fajardo said. “These people who have to say something want to speak out to them.”

Despite the lack of local political figures in attendance, longtime residents of Newburgh were very vocal about their concerns regarding healthcare and appreciative of the listening session.

“We are desperate with how Newburgh should be involved with our community and especially our kids,” said Nidia Dominguez, a 50-year resident in the city.

“I appreciate this [listening session] and I am a concerned citizen,” said Theresa Brandon, who has also lived in Newburgh for 50 years. “[During the listening session] I got a lot out of the services and how we can help each other in our community.”

“I thank God for this workshop because it gives us the chance as people to come together, and that’s important,” added Randy Corbett, a longtime local as well.

Surveys were handed out and completed by attendees at the end of the listening session. The county and state health departments will now utilize these surveys to make informed policy decisions regarding both the quality of and access to healthcare in the City of Newburgh.