NYS Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Announce Initial Blood Testing Dates for Newburgh Residents

Free Tests Will Provide Information on Exposure to PFOS

Albany, N.Y. (October 17, 2016) - New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, together with US Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, today announced dates for initial blood testing for City of Newburgh residents with concerns about their past exposures to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other perfluorinatedchemicals (PFCs) from the City's drinking water.

"New York State has taken quick and decisive action to address contamination of the water supply in Newburgh," Commissioner Zucker said. "To date, we have transitioned the City to a clean water source, and begun the process to construct a permanent carbon filtration system for the City's supply, paying for all the associated costs. We are now offering free blood testing and providing educational materials so residents will have a greater understanding of their past exposure to PFOS."

Congressman Maloney said, "My neighbors in Newburgh deserve peace-of-mind after drinking contaminated water - working together with Governor Cuomo we ensured their drinking water is safe, but now folks should get their blood tested so they understand the extent of their PFOS exposure. I'm glad that working together with Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zucker we can announce the dates and times that Newburgh residents can get their blood tested for free, and I encourage anyone concerned about their exposure to PFOS contamination to sign up now and get tested."

The first blood tests will be held at the Cornerstone Family Healthcare locations at 147 Lake Street and 290 Broadway in Newburgh on the following dates:
  • 147 Lake Street, Newburgh
    • Tuesday, November 1;
    • Wednesday, November 2;
    • Thursday, November 3;
    • Saturday, November 12;
    • Saturday, November 19.
  • 290 Broadway, Newburgh
    • Monday, November 7;
    • Thursday, November 10.
Blood tests will be scheduled first for residents who expressed interest in participating in testing at public meetings or contacted the Department of Health (DOH). Interested residents are strongly encouraged to pre-register for an appointment by calling 518-402-7950 or emailing BEOE@health.ny.gov. Day, evening, and weekend appointments are available and more dates will be added based on demand and feedback from the community.

Participation and results from the initial blood tests will assist inthe development of a full comprehensive program that will include wide outreach to the community, blood tests in multiple locations, and educational materials in English, Spanish and Creole.

Senator William Larkin said, "The announcement of dates to begin a blood testing program for Newburgh residents is welcome news. A very important part of this process will be the provision of educational materials being offered by the State that will help residents better understand PFOS and their exposure to this chemical. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Cuomo and the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation as we continue to address the PFOS contamination problem in Newburgh."

AssemblymanFrank Skartados said, "The state stepped up immediately to resolve this problem as soon as it became apparent by replacing the water supply with clean water and by building a filtration system. I am very pleased that the state is embarking on a blood testing program for Newburgh so the residents can understand their PFOS exposure."

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, "I appreciate Governor Cuomo's comprehensive response to PFOS contamination in Newburgh. Orange County government will continue to do all we can to help both the City and State meet the needs of the Newburgh community."