Recent Press Releases
Health Department, United Hospital Fund and Partners Release Joint Report on Small Primary Care Practices in New York City
June 14, 2018
The Health Department, United Hospital Fund (UHF) and their partners in the Population Health Improvement Program (PHIP) today released PHIP Small Practice Project, a report which focuses on the challenges small, independent primary care practices face in New York City.
Health Department Launches "What's in Your Ashtray?" Campaign, Reminding New Yorkers That Cigarettes Are Now $13 Per Pack
June 12, 2018
The Health Department today launched a new media campaign encouraging New Yorkers to quit smoking. The campaign emphasizes the cost of cigarettes, which could add up to the equivalent of two months of groceries, family cell phone bills for a year, or a vacation.
Dr. Jane Bedell Receives 2018 Sloan Award, the "Nobel Prize of City Government"
June 7, 2018
The Health Department today recognized Dr. Jane Bedell, Assistant Commissioner and Medical Director of the Center for Health Equity’s Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Center, for receiving the Fund for the City of New York’s Sloan Public Service Award. The award is given annually to six outstanding civil servants whose work performance and commitment to public service has been deemed extraordinary.
Board of Health Amends Health Code Requiring Epinephrine Auto-Injectors at City-Regulated Child Care Sites
June 5, 2018
The Board of Health today approved new amendments to the Health Code, including a requirement that the nearly 3,000 City-regulated child care sites maintain two epinephrine auto-injectors on location.
Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson Announce Landmark Proposal to Make Birth Certificates More Inclusive to All Gender Identities
June 4, 2018
Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson today announced a landmark proposal to make birth certificates more inclusive to all gender identities. New York City birth certificates will include male, female and a new, third category of “X” to reflect a non-binary gender identity.
Health Department Launches Media Campaign Targeting Chinese Male Smokers
June 4, 2018
The Health Department today launched a media campaign to encourage Chinese men to quit smoking. In New York City, nearly a quarter of Asian men smoke cigarettes, the highest of all race and ethnic groups (23 percent, versus 18 percent of Whites, 17 percent of Latinos, and 14 percent of Blacks), and lung cancer deaths among Chinese men increased by 70 percent in the past 15 years.
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Health Department Announces Minimum Cigarette Pack Price Increases Today to $13, the Highest Price in the Nation
June 1, 2018
The Health Department announced that, starting today, New York City will raise the base price for a pack of cigarettes to $13 (PDF) — the highest pack price in the nation. Tobacco continues to be a leading contributor to preventable, premature death in New York City, killing an estimated 12,000 people annually.
How Old Is Your Heart? Health Department Launches Online Tool for New Yorkers to Calculate Their “Heart Age”
May 31, 2018
The Health Department today launched the NYC Heart Age Calculator, an online tool to help New Yorkers determine their risk for heart disease and stroke. The Heart Age Calculator reports risk by giving the user their heart age compared to their actual age.
As Summer Nears, the Health Department Urges New Yorkers to Protect Themselves from Mosquito- and Tick-Borne Illnesses
May 30, 2018
As summer nears, the Health Department reminds New Yorkers to protect themselves from mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses. Last year, there were 21 cases of West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, in the city, and two deaths were attributed to the disease.
Health Department Reminds New Yorkers to Use "Know Before You Go," A Free Text Service for Updates About Public Beaches
May 25, 2018
This Memorial Day weekend, the Health Department reminds beachgoers to sign up for “Know Before You Go,” a free text service in English and Spanish that informs New Yorkers if public beaches are open or closed due to water quality issues. New Yorkers can text “BEACH” or “PLAYA” to 877877 to get the status of any of the City’s eight public beaches.
Health Department Pilots Awareness Campaign in Lower East Side Bars and Nightclubs on Risk of Fentanyl in Cocaine Supply
May 23, 2018
The Health Department today launched a campaign informing New Yorkers that fentanyl, an opioid 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, is in the cocaine supply. People who use cocaine occasionally may be at risk of an opioid overdose.
Health Department Reports Cluster of K2-related Emergency Department Visits, Warns New Yorkers Not to Use This Synthetic Drug
May 22, 2018
The Health Department today reminded New Yorkers not to use synthetic cannabinoids — commonly referred to as “K2” or “synthetic marijuana” — after a significant increase in emergency department visits. Between May 19 and 21, the Health Department detected 84 emergency department visits related to K2.
As Historic Hookah Legislation Goes Into Effect This Year, Health Department Launches First-Ever Awareness Campaign On the Dangers of Smoking Hookah
May 21, 2018
The Health Department today announced the launch of its first-ever media campaign educating New Yorkers on the risks of smoking hookah. Just one hour of smoking hookah can expose someone to as much carbon monoxide and tar as smoking 10 cigarettes.
Health Department Launches “¡Listos!”, First-Ever Campaign Promoting Hiv Prevention Medication To Latinos
May 16, 2018
The Health Department, in partnership with the Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), launched “¡Listos!”, a sex-positive marketing campaign that encourages Latinos to consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of their sexual health plan.
Health Department Launches New NYC Well Awareness Campaign
May 14, 2018
The Health Department today launched a new campaign to encourage New Yorkers to contact NYC Well for mental health support. NYC Well counselors and peer support specialists provide crisis counseling and information and referral to ongoing services, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage.
Health Department Releases Data on Female Suicide from 2006 to 2015
May 11, 2018
The Health Department today released new data on female suicide in New York City. From 2006 to 2015, the rate of female suicide increased on average by 4 percent annually in New York City, but it remained lower than the national rate.
Health Department Urges Health Care Providers to Regulary Screen Men Who Have Sex With Men for Rectal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
May 11, 2018
The Health Department today released a new Vital Signs report about rectal STIs and the risk for later HIV infection among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). According to the report, 1 in 15 (7 percent) of HIV-negative MSM who were diagnosed with rectal gonorrhea or rectal chlamydia, or both, at the Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics were diagnosed with HIV within one year of their diagnosis.
Health Department Releases Data on Blood Lead Levels in Children Showing a 13 Percent Decline from 2016 to 2017
May 10, 2018
The Health Department today released preliminary data on lead poisoning in children, showing a 13 percent decrease from 2016 to 2017 in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reference level of 5mcg/dL. This decline builds on New York City’s significant progress in reducing childhood lead poisoning.
City to Enforce New, Expanded Calorie Labeling Rule
May 7, 2018
Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett announced that the City will begin enforcing updated calorie labeling rules today. The new requirements are aligned with the FDA’s calorie labeling ruling which also went into effect after years of delay.
Health Department’s Center for Health Equity Hosts “Not62: Building Health Equity in the Bronx
April 26, 2018
The Health Department’s Center for Health Equity today is hosting #Not62: Building Health Equity in the Bronx, a summit for City agencies, community leaders and Bronx organizations to discuss efforts to continue improving the health of Bronx residents.
Health Department and Fire Department Conduct First Ever Newborn Emergency Evacuation Exercise at Staten Island University Hospital
April 26, 2018
The Health and Fire Departments today conducted the City’s first-ever newborn emergency evacuation exercise at Staten Island University Hospital.
Director of Animal Care Centers of NYC Honored With Prestigious 2018 Maddie Hero Award For Animal Welfare “Superheroes”
April 24, 2018
Risa Weinstock, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC, was honored today with the Maddie Hero Award for her leadership in improving the welfare of New York City animals and her commitmjavascript:iw_wizard_doNext()ent to promoting life-saving actions.
Health Department Expands NYC Mural Arts Project with Three New Mental Health Murals
April 23, 2018
The Health Department today announced an expansion of the NYC Mural Arts Project, which will create three new murals about mental health in Morrisania and Mount Hope, the Bronx and Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The mural designs were developed by local artists, people with mental health conditions, and peer specialists — people who have lived experience with mental illness and are trained to support others with mental health conditions.
Health Department Announces Record Low Infant Mortality Rate, but Racial and Ethnic Disparities Persist
April 20, 2018
The Health Department today released the 2016 Infant Mortality Summary of Vital Statistics, which found that infant mortality has dropped to a historic low in New York City, though disparities between race and ethnic groups persist. The report provides an overview of deaths among infants younger than 12 months.
New York City's Air is Cleaner Than It Has Ever Been Since Monitoring Began
April 19, 2018
In recognition of Earth Day on Sunday, the Mayor announced the release of DOHMH’s latest New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS) results, which found continued improvements in air quality. The report highlights significant progress toward the Mayor’s OneNYC goal of achieving the cleanest air of any large U.S. city by 2030.
As Weather Gets Warmer, Health Department, Department of Housing Preservation and Development Urge New Yorkers to Protect Children by Installing Window Guards
April 13, 2018
As the weather gets warmer, and New Yorkers open their windows more, the Health Department and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) remind New Yorkers that properly installed window guards prevent children from falling out of open windows. Last year there were 12 falls from windows among New York City children 10 years of age or younger.
Health Department Releases First Comprehensive Report on Depression Among Adults in New York City
April 6, 2018
The Health Department today released its first comprehensive data brief on depression among New York City adults. Approximately 548,000 adults (9 percent) in New York City experienced depression in 2016, according to a survey started shortly after ThriveNYC was launched in late 2015.
Health department warns New Yorkers about skin-lightening creams and medicated soaps that contain dangerous levels of mercury
April 6, 2018
The Health Department today warned New York City residents about 10 skin-lightening creams from Pakistan and two medicated soaps from Spain with elevated levels of mercury. These products can contain up to 14,000 times the allowable limit for mercury in cosmetics.
Other languages (PDF): [हिन्दी] [বাংলা] [اردو]
As Part of Coastal Storm Simulation, Health Department Conducts Simultaneous Emergency Exercise in 55 Hospitals
April 4, 2018
As part of the Health Department’s ongoing commitment to preparing acute care hospitals across the city for a major coastal storm akin to Hurricane Sandy, the agency today conducted an emergency exercise at 55 hospitals. In the case of a real emergency, hospitals are generally given 72 hours’ notice for an evacuation.
Health Department Releases First Report On Health Disparities among Asian New Yorkers
March 29, 2018
The Health Department today released an Epi Data Brief examining, for the first time, health disparities among Asian New Yorkers. Approximately 1.2 million people who identify as Asian live in New York City; the population has increased by 53 percent since 2000.
Other languages: [हिन्दी] [বাংলা] [한국어]
Health Department Collaborates With Chain, Independent Pharmacies to Increase Access to Free Blood Pressure Checks
March 28, 2018
As part of an ongoing effort to reduce rates of high blood pressure among New Yorkers, the Health Department today announced a collaboration with New York City chain and independent pharmacies to promote access to free blood pressure checks across the city.
Health Department Releases New Tuberculosis Data Showing 10 Percent Increase in Cases in 2017
March 26, 2018
In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, the agency today released a new report on tuberculosis (TB) cases in New York City in 2017. The new report indicates that TB cases have increased 10 percent from the previous year, with 613 cases in 2017, up from 556 in 2016.
Health Department's Community Health Worker Program Leads to Health Improvements Among Harlem Residents
March 21, 2018
The Health Department’s Center for Health Equity today announced that the Harlem Health Advocacy Partners (HHAP) program has improved health outcomes for Harlem residents. HHAP, a community health worker program launched in 2015, connects people living in five NYCHA developments in East and Central Harlem to neighborhood resources that can help them manage their current health conditions, enroll and save on health insurance, and get involved with community organizing.
Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic Reopens After an Extensive Expansion and Modernization of Its Historic Building
March 15, 2018
The Health Department announced the official reopening of the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic, 303 Ninth Avenue, after a multi-year renovation to modernize its historic 1930s building.
Health Department Launches First-Ever Naloxone Detailing Campaign to Expand Distribution to More Independent Pharmacies
March 15, 2018
The Health Department announced the launch of its first naloxone detailing campaign to expand distribution of the medication in independent pharmacies.
Health Department Launches City’s First-Ever Campaign Promoting HIV Prevention Medication among Women
March 6, 2018
The Health Department launched “Living Sure,” a new sexual health marketing campaign that encourages women, including cisgender and transgender women, to consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of their sexual health plan.
As Part of HealingNYC, Health Department Expands Opioid Overdose Program “Relay” To St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx
February 27, 2018
As part of HealingNYC, the Health Department announced the expansion of the Relay program to St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, the fifth site since its launch in June of 2017. Relay focuses on people who survived an opioid overdose and are at high risk for a future fatal overdose.
Health Department to Collaborate with Walgreens to Offer Flu Shot Vouchers for Uninsured and Underinsured New Yorkers, as City Continues to See Elevated Influenza Activity
February 26, 2018
The Health Department today is announcing a collaboration with Walgreens to offer 1,000 vouchers for flu shots at 11 Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies located in areas with high rates of people without health insurance and low flu vaccination rates — an initiative made possible by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships.
Health Department Receives $1.8 Million Grant to Reduce Disparities in Maternal Health and to Support Improvements in Maternal Care Across the City
February 23, 2018
The Health Department and the Fund for Public Health in New York City today announced a $1.8 million grant from Merck for Mothers to further bolster the City’s efforts to reduce persistent racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health. The funding will ensure hospitals are including severe maternal morbidity (SMM, or life threatening complications during, or after, childbirth) in their performance review, which will help the Department increase surveillance of these complications.
As Part of HealingNYC, Health Department's Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center Begins Offering Naloxone Trainings
February 21, 2018
As part of HealingNYC, the Health Department and its Center for Health Equity today announced that the Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center will offer free naloxone trainings and distribution to prevent fatal opioid overdoses. The Action Center was recently registered in the New York State Health Department’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.
Health Department Launches New Anti-Smoking Media Campaign Featuring Commissioner Bassett and Her Quit Smoking “Number”
February 20, 2018
The Health Department launched a new media campaign, “Your Number,” featuring Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett, who shares the number of tries it took her to stop smoking. The campaign encourages New Yorkers to quit smoking, regardless of the number of times they have already tried to stop.
Health Department Warns New Yorkers About Unsolicited Calls From Individuals Claiming to Be From the National Poison Help Hotline
February 15, 2018
The Health Department today warned New Yorkers about unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be from the National Poison Help Hotline (800-222-1222). These calls, which have targeted individuals and health care providers nationwide, are not legitimate calls from Poison Control Centers.
In Recognition Of National Condom Awareness Day, Health Department Launches “ARTCondomNYC”
February 14, 2018
In recognition of National Condom Awareness Day, the Health Department today launched ARTCondomNYC, a series of four, limited-edition NYC Condom wrappers designed by contemporary artists.
Departments of Health and Consumer Affairs Remind New Yorkers: Fever, Headache, Cough, Body Aches… Use Your Sick Leave, and Stay Home If You Have the Flu
February 6, 2018
As influenza continues to spread across New York City, Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett, and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lorelei Salas reminded New Yorkers that they can limit the spread of influenza by seeking care from a medical professional and staying home from work if they are sick.
Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 40 Percent of New Yorkers Report Being Exposed To Secondhand Smoke At Home
February 5, 2018
The Health Department today released a new Vital Signs report on secondhand smoke exposure and smoke-free housing policies in New York City. Secondhand smoke exposure is the involuntary exposure to smoke from a burning cigarette or from another person exhaling smoke from a cigarette.
Health Department’s Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Center Hosts “Undesign the Redline” Exhibit
January 30, 2018
The Health Department's Center for Health Equity, in partnership with social impact studio Designing the WE, today opened Undesign the Redline, an interactive exhibit about redlining in New York City.
Health Department Expands Mental Health First Aid; Launches "Choose the Best Words" Awareness Campaign
January 30, 2018
As part of ThriveNYC, and after a successful introduction, the Health Department today announced an additional $5 million annual investment through 2020 to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program for 39 full-time trainers, 19 outreach coordinators, training materials and public awareness campaigns. Nearly 50,000 New Yorkers have participated in this program since its launch in December 2015, including nearly 20,000 of the City’s frontline staff who interact with the public.
De Blasio Administration Announces Location of Bronx Animal Shelter and Upgrades to Brooklyn Shelter
January 23, 2018
The de Blasio administration today announced the location of the City’s new Bronx Animal Shelter. Projected to open in 2024, the 47,000-square-foot Bronx shelter will be located in the East Bronx, and have space for 70 dogs, 140 cats, 30 rabbits and 20 animals from other species.
Health Department Launches "Help Me Quit" App to Help New Yorkers Quit Smoking
January 18, 2018
The Health Department today launched the NYC HelpMeQuit app, a free tool to help New Yorkers quit smoking. Developed with input from smokers trying to quit, HelpMeQuit includes tips to stop cravings; social support from other people using HelpMeQuit and Facebook friends; connection to existing smoking cessation resources (such as the New York State Smokers Quitline and a map of nearby clinics); and in-app games to distract from smoking.
New Health Department Data Find Link between Lack of Sleep and Mental Health Problems among Children and Teenagers
January 17, 2018
The Health Department today released new data on lack of sleep among New York City school children and public high school students. On an average school night, 75 percent of high school students reported getting fewer than eight hours of sleep, and 11 percent of school children (ages 6 to 12 years) got inadequate sleep (less than nine hours).
Health Department Reminds New Yorkers to Get Their Flu Shot; Influenza Activity Usually Peaks Between January and March
January 12, 2018
The Health Department today reminded all New Yorkers to get their annual flu shot so they are protected against the influenza virus and its severe symptoms and complications. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness that can cause significant illness and death.
Health Department Identifies 10 Outbreaks Of Foodborne Illness Using Yelp Reviews Since 2012
January 10, 2018
The Health Department today announced that since 2012, 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness were identified solely through a computer system jointly created with Columbia University’s Department of Computer Science.