City of Newburgh Coordinates PPE Distribution

NEWBURGH – Throughout the month of May the City of Newburgh has been distributing 10,000 face masks and hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer to at-risk residents. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus recently provided the City with the critical PPE supply, which has been distributed to people across the entire City.

Mayor Torrance Harvey applauded the County Executive when he stated, “The generous allotment of PPE provided by the County will help the City and its residents remain safe and healthy during these difficult times. I commend the County Executive for his efforts and thank him and the entire team at Orange County for all of the help they have provided to the City since COVID-19 pandemic started.”

The Police and Fire departments along with other essential employees from the City have distributed more than 9,000 masks directly so far to the community. Aside from handing the PPE out to residents individually, the City also delivered cases of masks to all of its high-rise buildings and larger residential units. The City also collaborated with its partners in the healthcare community by providing both St. Luke’s Hospital and Cornerstone Family Healthcare with masks that are being distributed directly to patients. Boxes were also provided to pharmacies and other essential businesses in an effort to further reduce the spread and flatten the curve.

Lt. Kevin Lahar of the City of Newburgh Police Department stated, “As always, Orange County continues to be a great partner with the City of Newburgh. They routinely go the extra mile to ensure the safety and security of our residents. The generosity in providing face masks and hand sanitizer to our residents and our First Responders is just another example of that great partnership”

The City also distributed supplies to the NAACP Highland Falls branch, Christian Ministerial Fellowship, Salvation Army, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, and the Newburgh Ministry. Social action group Community Voices Heard also received a supply and the group’s advocate, Carla Johnson, was happy to accept them.

The City of Newburgh faces a unique set of challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s population is condensed in less than four square miles, making it one of the densest communities in the Hudson Valley.

City Manager Joseph Donat stated, “As a result of these efforts, the City has distributed thousands of masks within the last week to countless residents and neighbors. The collaboration from the County is greatly appreciated and most certainly welcomed. Together, we are tackling this issue head-on and we will come out of this on the other side stronger and more resilient than ever before.”