Local Leaders React To New Orange County Coronavirus Vaccine Site

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Senators Mike Martucci and James Skoufis, who collectively represent all of Orange County in the state Senate, have issued the following statements regarding Monday's announcement of a state-run mass vaccination site at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

SEE: New York To Open 2 New Hudson Valley Mass Vaccination Sites

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, “For weeks, I have asked the State for more COVID-19 vaccinations for Orange County residents. Establishing a vaccination site at SUNY Orange is positive news and the college will serve as a great venue. The County Health Department and local healthcare providers have done a tremendous job vaccinating residents with a limited supply. Just last week, the County vaccinated more than 9,000 people. The bottom line is that everyone who wants to be vaccinated should receive a dose.”

Senator Mike Martucci (R-C-I, New Hampton) said, “Together with my partners in government, we have successfully made our case to the Department of Health for a state-run mass vaccination site here in Orange County. This facility will be in the heart of my district just blocks from my District Office and I look forward to seeing the incredible work achieved there in the coming weeks. This news is a true gamechanger and my focus will continue to be on delivering the vaccine locally to hasten our recovery.”

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) said, "I made it clear to the Department of Health very early on that I would not rest until west-of-Hudson was provided with an accessible rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Alongside Senator Martucci and County Executive Neuhaus, we fought hard for a permanent, mass vaccination site in Orange County because, as one of the highest impacted regions by the pandemic, it is essential that this area be vaccinated. This was a long time coming and is welcome news for our local residents."

The three representatives have committed to continuing to ask the State for more vaccines and helping their local health departments and healthcare providers to distribute it safely, equitably, and as efficiently as possible.