A Valentine’s Day celebration focused on health and community brought families together on Feb. 14, 2026, as Sweetheart Screening 2026 was held at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.
Hosted by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus in partnership with the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH), the free event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offered a range of health services, including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, children’s vision checks, skin cancer screenings, breast and prostate cancer screenings, PSA blood tests, and clinical breast exams for the first 25 participants. Food, raffles, and educational booths created a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere while encouraging preventive care and community engagement.
A family-friendly health event
Visitors came for both the programs at the Armory and the special Valentine’s Day screenings. Juan and his wife Rocío, who attend Armory programs with their nine-year-old son, said, “Every Saturday we come here… we have my son in here. They got soccer, they got winning… I think everything is good.”
Bryan, an 18-year-old volunteer at the Armory, accompanied his 12-year-old brother and 8-year-old sister. He explained, “I help all of this, right? I go to help. Help us do it if they get stuck… Everything goes smoothly. And, yeah… Children vision screening is that one. I want… they take a picture of your eyes, like… see how they did.”
Attendees appreciated the opportunity to explore a variety of health services in one place. “I think everything is for everybody,” Juan added.
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Screening services and health education
The event brought together multiple healthcare organizations and community partners. Kathy Jones from the Woodbury Lion Club, who helped run the children’s vision screening, explained, “We came together to screen children and adults… to check and see if their vision is okay… We buy glasses for children that can’t afford them. We function by fundraisers… we give back to the community in this way.”
Ralph Burnett of Cornerstone Family Healthcare shared details about the breast exams offered: “We’re doing breast exams in our van outside. So people sign up to get a breast exam. It’s not a mammogram, it’s an exam to show you what to look for when you’re doing self-exams.” He emphasized the importance of community access: “We work alongside the Department of Health… we hope people will be encouraged to take care of their health and grow.”
Lisa Lahiff, Deputy Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Health, described the goal of the Sweetheart Screening event: “All of these screenings are free so that Orange County residents are able to come to the Armory, which is a very trusted, safe space, to find out more about their health and ways to improve it.
If a screening shows something of note, folks are encouraged to follow up with their medical provider as soon as they are able. There are also medical providers here, like Cornerstone, who are able to offer them some information about how to follow up with their results. The Orange County DOH is also here with its Community Health Outreach program to offer information about how residents may improve their health as well as its Medical Reserve Corps. who are doing free screenings.”
Dr. Angela Hulse, Medical Director at Cornerstone, highlighted the comprehensive services available: “We serve the community… We have pediatrics, OB/GYN, family practice, internal medicine, podiatry, dentistry, cardiology, infectious disease, and urgent care… We don’t turn anyone away based on their ability to pay. We offer a sliding scale.” She also stressed their commitment to education: “We also do educational services within the community… We remain committed to serving our patients.”
Community connections and support
Other partners at the event emphasized education and outreach. Yajaira Silva from MVP noted, “We’re out in the community, educating people in regards to health insurance, servicing families and smaller groups, and Medicare plans.”
Barbara Cintron, office manager from New Windsor Pediatrics and Family Care, said, “We are a one-stop practice… We have urgent care, so you don’t necessarily need to schedule an appointment. We participate with all insurances—Medicaid, managed care, and all commercial plans.”
The Kappa Eta Eta Chapter, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. also participated, teaching visitors about nutrition and health. Elizabeth, local chapter secretary, explained, “We basically focus on community service and health teaching… Today is a Valentine’s Day event, but every day is special. You’re trying to help the community. It brings people out. We always show our love.”
A successful third year
This marked the third year for the Sweetheart Screening event. As Lisa Lahiff noted, “We are very happy to have so many healthcare partners join the Orange County Health Department at the Armory today, offering free screenings and information about how Orange County residents may improve their health, because Health Grows Here!” Attendees left with useful information, a sense of community, and reassurance about their health.
By combining preventive screenings with educational resources and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sweetheart Screening 2026 demonstrated the importance of accessible healthcare and community connection in Orange County.
