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Health Department New York City

  • About Health Department New York City:
    • Overview
    • Mission and Vision
    • Organizational Structure
  • Health Programs and Services:
    • Immunization Programs
    • TB Control Program
    • Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
    • HIV/STD Services
    • Environmental Health Services
  • Public Health Initiatives:
    • Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Warning Label
    • Sodium Warning Label
    • Smoke-Free Air Act
    • Healthy Homes
    • Lead Poisoning Prevention
  • Health Data and Reports:
    • Vital Statistics
    • Community Health Profiles
    • Epidemiology and Surveillance Reports
    • Environmental Health Data
  • Resources for Healthcare Providers:
    • Health Alert Network
    • Continuing Education Opportunities
    • Clinical Guidelines and Protocols
    • Disease Reporting and Control
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response:
    • Emergency Preparedness Planning
    • Bioterrorism Response
    • Infectious Disease Outbreaks
    • Natural Disasters
  • Get Involved:
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Consumer Feedback
    • Community Partnerships
    • Membership and Advisory Boards
  • Contact Information:
    • General Inquiries and Feedback
    • Health Clinics and Services
    • Report a Public Health Concern
    • Emergency Contact Numbers
  • News and Events:
    • Press Releases and Media Inquiries
    • Upcoming Events and Conferences
    • Health Department Newsletters
    • Health Observances and Awareness Days
  • Careers and Jobs:
    • Job Openings and Employment Opportunities
    • Internships and Volunteer Positions
    • Professional Development and Training
    • Benefits and Compensation

About Health Department New York City

The Health Department of New York City is a government agency responsible for protecting and promoting the health of over eight million residents of the city. The department works to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, promote healthy behavior, and ensure that the environment is safe and healthy. It also provides a range of health programs and services to the community, collects health data and reports, and offers resources and support to healthcare providers.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Health Department of New York City is to improve the health of all New Yorkers and reduce health disparities through policy, programs, and partnerships. The vision of the department is to create a healthier, safer, and more equitable city where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

Organizational Structure

The Health Department of New York City is headed by the Commissioner of Health, who is appointed by the mayor. The commissioner oversees the department's divisions and bureaus, which are organized into four main areas:

  • Community Health Services
  • Disease Control
  • Environmental Health
  • Operations

Each division and bureau is responsible for specific programs and services related to its area of focus.

Health Programs and Services

The Health Department of New York City offers a range of health programs and services to the community. These include:

Immunization Programs

The department provides immunizations to protect against a variety of diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and influenza. It also offers free or low-cost vaccinations to children, adults, and travelers.

TB Control Program

The department's TB Control Program works to prevent and control the spread of tuberculosis in the city. It provides screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for individuals with TB and their contacts.

Chronic Disease Prevention and Control

The department offers programs and services to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These include nutrition education, physical activity promotion, smoking cessation, and cancer screening.

HIV/STD Services

The department provides testing, treatment, and prevention services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also offers free or low-cost condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to individuals at risk for HIV.

Environmental Health Services

The department's Environmental Health Services division works to protect the public from environmental hazards such as lead poisoning, air pollution, and foodborne illness. It also enforces laws and regulations related to housing, restaurants, and other establishments.

Public Health Initiatives

The Health Department of New York City has launched several public health initiatives aimed at improving the health of the community. These include:

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Warning Label

In 2015, the department implemented a warning label requirement for sugar-sweetened beverages sold in certain establishments. The label warns consumers that consuming too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Sodium Warning Label

In 2015, the department also implemented a sodium warning label requirement for chain restaurants. The label warns consumers that consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems.

Smoke-Free Air Act

The department played a key role in the passage of the Smoke-Free Air Act in 2002, which prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces in New York City. The law has helped to improve air quality and reduce the prevalence of smoking in the city.

Healthy Homes

The department's Healthy Homes program works to prevent and remediate housing-related health hazards such as mold, pests, and lead paint. It provides education, inspections, and enforcement to ensure that homes are safe and healthy.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

The department works to prevent lead poisoning in children by enforcing laws and regulations related to lead paint, providing education and outreach to families and healthcare providers, and offering free lead testing and remediation services.

Health Data and Reports

The Health Department of New York City collects and analyzes health data to inform its programs and policies. It also produces a variety of reports and publications on health topics of interest to the community. These include:

Vital Statistics

The department collects and maintains records of births, deaths, and other vital events that occur in the city. It uses this data to monitor trends in population health and identify areas for intervention.

Community Health Profiles

The department produces community health profiles that provide information on health status, demographics, and health behaviors in each of the city's neighborhoods. These profiles help to identify disparities in health and guide the development of targeted interventions.

Epidemiology and Surveillance Reports

The department produces reports on infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and other health issues of public health significance. These reports help to monitor trends in disease incidence and guide the development of prevention and control strategies.

Environmental Health Data

The department collects and analyzes data on environmental hazards such as air pollution, lead exposure, and foodborne illness. This data is used to inform policies and practices related to environmental health.

Resources for Healthcare Providers

The Health Department of New York City provides resources and support to healthcare providers who serve the city's residents. These include:

Health Alert Network

The department's Health Alert Network provides timely information and guidance to healthcare providers in the event of a public health emergency or outbreak. Providers can sign up to receive alerts and updates via email or text message.

Continuing Education Opportunities

The department offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for healthcare providers, including online courses, webinars, and in-person trainings. These courses cover topics such as infectious disease control, chronic disease management, and cultural competency.

Clinical Guidelines and Protocols

The department develops and disseminates clinical guidelines and protocols to help healthcare providers deliver evidence-based care. These guidelines cover a range of topics, from immunization schedules to cancer screening recommendations.

Disease Reporting and Control

The department provides guidance and support to healthcare providers for reporting and controlling infectious diseases, including TB, HIV, and STIs. It also offers resources and support for outbreak investigations and response.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Health Department of New York City plays a critical role in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and disasters. It works closely with other city agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure that the city is ready to respond to a range of threats. These include:

Emergency Preparedness Planning

The department develops and implements emergency preparedness plans to ensure that the city is ready to respond to a range of public health emergencies. It also conducts drills and exercises to test these plans and identify areas for improvement.

Bioterrorism Response

The department has plans and protocols in place to respond to bioterrorism threats, including the distribution of antibiotics and vaccines to the affected population. It also works to detect and investigate potential bioterrorism events.

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

The department responds to infectious disease outbreaks by investigating cases, identifying contacts, and implementing control measures such as isolation and quarantine. It also provides guidance and support to healthcare providers and the public.

Natural Disasters

The department works with other city agencies and community organizations to prepare for and respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. It provides support for evacuation and sheltering, disease surveillance, and environmental health monitoring.

Get Involved

The Health Department of New York City offers opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved in promoting public health. These include:

Volunteer Opportunities

The department offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to contribute to public health efforts. These include opportunities to assist with disease surveillance, health education, and emergency response.

Consumer Feedback

The department welcomes feedback from consumers on its programs and services. It provides a variety of channels for feedback, including online surveys, complaint forms, and public meetings.

Community Partnerships

The department works closely with community organizations and other stakeholders to promote public health. It offers resources and support for community-based initiatives and partnerships.

Membership and Advisory Boards

The department has several membership and advisory boards that provide guidance and input on public health issues. These include the Public Health and Health Planning Council, the Community Services Board, and the HIV Planning Council.

Contact Information

For general inquiries and feedback, the Health Department of New York City can be reached at (347) 396-4100 or online at www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/index.page. For information on health clinics and services, call 311 or visit www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/health-services.page. To report a public health concern, call (866) 692-3641 or visit www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/report-a-public-health-concern.page. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

News and Events

The Health Department of New York City provides news and information on its programs and initiatives through a variety of channels. These include:

Press Releases and Media Inquiries

The department issues press releases to provide updates on its activities and respond to media inquiries. It also maintains a press office that can be contacted at (347) 396-4177 or pressoffice@health.nyc.gov.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

The department hosts and participates in a variety of events and conferences related to public health. These events provide opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration.

Health Department Newsletters

The department produces several newsletters that provide updates and information on public health topics. These include the Health Bulletin, the Epi Data Brief, and the Health Alert Network Update.

Health Observances and Awareness Days

The department promotes and participates in a variety of health observances and awareness days throughout the year. These events raise awareness of important health issues and encourage healthy behaviors.

Careers and Jobs

The Health Department of New York City offers a range of employment opportunities for individuals interested in public health. These include:

Job Openings and Employment Opportunities

The department posts job openings and employment opportunities on its website at www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/careers.page. These positions include roles in public health administration, epidemiology, environmental health, and more.

Internships and Volunteer Positions

The department offers internships and volunteer positions for students and individuals interested in gaining experience in public health. These positions provide opportunities to learn about public health practice and work on real-world projects.

Professional Development and Training

The department offers a variety of professional development and training opportunities for its

Frequently Asked Questions about Health Department New York City

What services does the Health Department provide?

The Health Department of New York City provides a wide range of public health services including disease control, environmental health, mental health, maternal and child health, sexual health, and more. For a complete list of services, visit their website.

How can I report a health code violation?

You can report a health code violation to the Health Department of New York City by calling 311 or submitting an online complaint form on their website. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the violation.

What should I do if I suspect I have a communicable disease?

If you suspect you have a communicable disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also notify the Health Department of New York City by calling 311. They can provide guidance and assistance with testing, treatment, and preventing the spread of the disease.

How can I access mental health services?

The Health Department of New York City offers a range of mental health services including counseling, therapy, medication management, and more. You can access these services by calling 311 or visiting their website for more information and resources.

What resources are available for new mothers?

The Health Department of New York City offers a variety of resources for new mothers including prenatal care, breastfeeding support, child care services, and more. Visit their website for more information and resources.