New York State Department of Health

Rare Disease Day was established to bring widespread recognition of rare diseases as a global health challenge. In recognition of the day, 15 landmarks across NY will be illuminated in pink, green, blue and purple. More information and resources: on.ny.gov/4aQvFxs

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Oral health is critical to overall health. Thanks to @GovKathyHochul’s leadership, we are supporting healthy habits and improving access to preventive dental care at an early age." Learn more: on.ny.gov/3MYTTgO

Early diagnosis of a congenital heart defect reduces infant mortality—start prenatal care as soon as you think you’re pregnant. Learn more: on.ny.gov/46nVa7J

Get cash back for your family this year, with no impact to your benefits.

Get up to $1000 per child
through the Empire State Child Credit by filing a NYS tax return.

You can receive this cash back even if you don’t have income or don’t normally file taxes.

Learn more: bit.ly/nyschildcredit

NYS law requires all newborns be checked for critical congenital heart disease. Learn more: on.ny.gov/4kqq4lO

You don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero—just roll up your sleeve! Wintery weather caused blood donations in NY to drop to a critical level. Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stopped by the New York Blood Center to donate and walks through the process.

The first Wadsworth Center was established in 1901 as the Antitoxin Laboratory & located in a two-story brick building on Yates Street in Albany. Today, we’re investing in a new laboratory to be located on the Harriman State Office Campus, with completion expected by 2030.

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services help people with diabetes learn ways to manage their diabetes that fit their life. It can also help prevent or delay serious diabetes complications like heart disease. Find a program near you: bit.ly/3OfEb12

Working outdoors? Your body is working hard just to stay warm, so dress warmly, work slowly and follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Follow our tips to prevent cold weather injuries and illness: on.ny.gov/4pWu2DT

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Stop measles from continuing to spread & causing potentially serious illness by ensuring you & your loved ones are current on measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) immunizations. Learn more about MMR protection: on.ny.gov/4kOIvkp

Commissioner McDonald: "Governor Hochul unveiled a budget proposal that makes major investments in our fight against cardiovascular disease.”
More about NYS efforts in the Commissioner's OpEd: bit.ly/3ZOiDLR

Because of the storm forecasted to impact a large portion of the state, all state EMS Council meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week are cancelled.

Meet Gabriel. Community worker, artist and accessibility activist for the deaf community. Watch his journey: UnfilteredNY.org #UnfilteredNY

Consistent care for congenital heart disease is important for a long healthy life—see a specialist. More information: on.ny.gov/46nVa7J

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible to RSV and its complications, which often lead to hospitalization. Simple vaccination can help prevent this severe, sometimes life-threatening illness.” bit.ly/4tLH1LF

When was the last time you tested your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm? Your risk of CO poisoning is greatest when burning fuels such as wood, oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal & gasoline near enclosed or occupied spaces or under attached roofs. More info: on.ny.gov/4qMRCU7

The Living Donor Support Program provides financial reimbursement for eligible expenses associated with organ donation. Learn more about the campaign and how to become a living donor: on.ny.gov/4rl9INX

YouTube video by New York State Department of Health Commissioner McDonald Celebrates New York State Department of Health's 125th Birthday

125 years! We’re celebrating more than a century of advancing public health. Join Commissioner McDonald as he recounts some of our inspiring history.
youtu.be/cNt_Wgu8LqE

Graphic which reads "Air Quality Health Advisory. Unhealthy for sensitive groups. New York City Metro"

Graphic which reads "Air Quality Health Advisory. Unhealthy for sensitive groups. Upper Hudson Valley"

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for TODAY, February 18, for fine particulate matter in the Upper Hudson Valley and NYC Metro regions.

👉 Latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI

☎️ Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345

Have you met Wanda? She’s the the virtual assistant who helps people learn about and connect with the NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Chat with Wanda: on.ny.gov/4061lJZ

Reduce congenital heart disease risk while pregnant—talk to your doctor about medication use and preexisting health conditions.

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to make significant investments to address PFAS in our environment, as we know these come with a range of negative health effects.” Learn more: bit.ly/3MosHrM

.@NYHealthCommish: “Joining GOARN shows New York’s commitment to fast, coordinated responses to public health threats.” Learn more: bit.ly/3Oo3Uoc

On Valentine’s Day and every day, take steps to keep your heart healthy. ❤

Stroke is ALWAYS and emergency! Learn the signs and call 9-1-1 right away. More information: on.ny.gov/4r95ZTu

Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways & porches. Keep steps & walkways as free of ice as possible with rock salt or other chemical de-icing compound. Sand on walkways can also reduce the risk of slipping.

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “The New York State Department of Health reaffirms its commitment to eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity for all New Yorkers.”

Is your job taking an emotional, mental and physical toll? Call, text or chat 988 for the services you need 24/7.

Do I Have Prediabetes? Reversing prediabetes starts here. 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes. Find out if you’re at risk for prediabetes today so you can reverse it and…

Are you one of the nearly 98 million Americans with prediabetes? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test to know where you stand: DoiHavePrediabetes.org

The Department considers several counties at “high-risk” for having high levels of radon, which is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Test your home for radon: health.ny.gov/radon