Some residents in Newburgh say they’re feeling left out when it comes to access to resources in the fight against COVID-19.

Yvette Armstead is one of a few dozen people who waited in line in cold weather, hoping to be among those to receive a rare COVID-19 at-home test kit. Yvette and other residents say they feel outreach in some part of the city could be better, especially in communities of color.

“Being an African American female or a person of color, these events have been held in communities where it was more prevalent for people to drive and go get stuff,” said Armstead.

According to the U.S. Census, as of 2019, the median income in the area is $41,769.

“They're not promoting as well as it needs to be in order for people of color to be able to go and be a part, and to get the necessities to be able to have the test to be able to get the masks,” said Armstead.

Orange County Health Commissioner Irina Gelman said one of the biggest problems is supply and demand.

“There is a scarcity of resources as can be understood at this time. Obviously, the demand far exceeds what we are receiving; we are still to receive test kits from the state,” said Gelman.

When asked about communities of color being underserved, Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said the only solution is for Newburgh to purchase its own testing kits.

Armstead got a test kit after waiting in line for about 30 minutes. She hopes next time, more people in more places can also get their kits to be safe.

“We have to do better as a community and as a people, because my life is just as important as anybody else's life and … I'm not seeing it right now,” said Armstead.