COVID-19 Antibody Testing For First Responders

NEWBURGH – Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) hosted free COVID-19 antibody testing in partnership with Cornerstone Family Healthcare. Dozens of first responders got tested outside Skoufis’ Newburgh District Office in a mobile testing site provided by Cornerstone. Skoufis’ staff was present at the testing site informing residents about other community initiatives and the 2020 census.

If a test result shows that one has antibodies, it indicates that they were likely infected with COVID-19. People who have recovered from the virus may be eligible to donate plasma for convalescent plasma therapy, which uses the blood and antibodies from recovered patients to try and help treat others. Senator Skoufis donated convalescent plasma in June following his recovery from COVID-19.

“It is incredibly important to bring these types of events to the very people who, every single day, are continuing to risk their health and safety for us,” said Senator Skoufis. “Everyone should have safe and easy access to testing. I’m so grateful to Cornerstone Family Healthcare for everything they have done throughout the pandemic and for continuing to partner with my office on community initiatives such as these.”

Linda S. Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Family Healthcare said, “We were honored to partner with Senator Skoufis to facilitate the COVID-19 antibody testing for our community’s first responders. On behalf of everyone at Cornerstone, we are grateful for all the first responders who give of themselves in support of others. I thank Senator Skoufis for continuing to treat the pandemic with the seriousness and dedication it requires. I look forward to continuing to work together to help protect the public’s health.”
Senator Skoufis recently hosted a community mask and sanitizer distribution at his Newburgh office; essential supplies were distributed to hundreds of residents and Skoufis and his team helped dozens more fill out the 2020 census.