New York State Department of Health
@nysdoh.bsky.social
Our Mission: To promote and protect the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, with a foundation in health equity.
“My brother elected the Hospice benefit during the final days of his life. Because a Hospice nurse called us, family spent my brother’s last night by his bedside. We comforted him and the memory comforts us to this day.” Hospice &Palliative Care info: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
November 13, 2025 at 8:48 PM
“My brother elected the Hospice benefit during the final days of his life. Because a Hospice nurse called us, family spent my brother’s last night by his bedside. We comforted him and the memory comforts us to this day.” Hospice &Palliative Care info: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Before giving your child a smartphone this holiday season, make it intentional. Talk about expectations. Set limits. Model balance.”
The Commissioner’s statement: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_statement.htm
The Commissioner’s statement: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_statement.htm
November 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Before giving your child a smartphone this holiday season, make it intentional. Talk about expectations. Set limits. Model balance.”
The Commissioner’s statement: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_statement.htm
The Commissioner’s statement: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_statement.htm
Commissioner McDonald: “New York is now the first state to implement this screening of all newborns, which will help protect and improve the health of our children in the earliest stages of life.” health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_newborn_screening_for_mld.htm
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Commissioner McDonald: “New York is now the first state to implement this screening of all newborns, which will help protect and improve the health of our children in the earliest stages of life.” health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-12_newborn_screening_for_mld.htm
Don’t let the weather prevent you from being physically active! Indoor exercise can help prevent chronic disease no matter your age or ability: health.ny.gov/community/physical_activity/
November 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Don’t let the weather prevent you from being physically active! Indoor exercise can help prevent chronic disease no matter your age or ability: health.ny.gov/community/physical_activity/
Someone who has sickle cell disease can live a long and full life. From working with your health care provider to choosing healthy foods, learn what you can do.
health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/fact_sheets/docs/sicklecell/english.pdf
health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/fact_sheets/docs/sicklecell/english.pdf
November 12, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Someone who has sickle cell disease can live a long and full life. From working with your health care provider to choosing healthy foods, learn what you can do.
health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/fact_sheets/docs/sicklecell/english.pdf
health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/fact_sheets/docs/sicklecell/english.pdf
Measles is highly contagious, but we have the power to halt the spread through vaccination. Get yourself up to date on any missed vaccines and ensure your children get their required MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations ASAP. Learn more: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
November 12, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Measles is highly contagious, but we have the power to halt the spread through vaccination. Get yourself up to date on any missed vaccines and ensure your children get their required MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations ASAP. Learn more: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
Did you know that type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes? Learn ways to prevent type 2 diabetes: health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/diabetes/preventing_type_2.htm
November 12, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Did you know that type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes? Learn ways to prevent type 2 diabetes: health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/diabetes/preventing_type_2.htm
Discuss vaccine recommendations with your healthcare provider/OBGYN to ensure you are protected against serious illness caused by flu, COVID and RSV. Info about these vaccines: cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html
November 12, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Discuss vaccine recommendations with your healthcare provider/OBGYN to ensure you are protected against serious illness caused by flu, COVID and RSV. Info about these vaccines: cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html
Join us for the Reconnect the Empire State Plaza Workshop #2 and help prioritize how a portion of
@GovKathyHochul
’s $400M Championing Albany’s Potential plan should be used.
🔗Register: on.ny.gov/3L3JejW
@GovKathyHochul
’s $400M Championing Albany’s Potential plan should be used.
🔗Register: on.ny.gov/3L3JejW
November 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Join us for the Reconnect the Empire State Plaza Workshop #2 and help prioritize how a portion of
@GovKathyHochul
’s $400M Championing Albany’s Potential plan should be used.
🔗Register: on.ny.gov/3L3JejW
@GovKathyHochul
’s $400M Championing Albany’s Potential plan should be used.
🔗Register: on.ny.gov/3L3JejW
Yes, NY – affordable, high-quality health coverage is available! Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans through 12 issuers is open through the end of January. And new for 2026 is Enhanced Dental Coverage. Get started here: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace
Enroll Today! Shop for quality, affordable health insurance options at NY State of Health.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov
November 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Yes, NY – affordable, high-quality health coverage is available! Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans through 12 issuers is open through the end of January. And new for 2026 is Enhanced Dental Coverage. Get started here: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
UPDATE: 𝗔𝗟𝗟 ByHeart infant formula products are being recalled. Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula immediately. More info: fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
November 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
UPDATE: 𝗔𝗟𝗟 ByHeart infant formula products are being recalled. Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula immediately. More info: fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, which can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. The virus can be spread many ways, including by people who don’t know they have it. Vaccination is the best protection: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/hepatitis_b/fact_sheet.htm
November 10, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, which can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. The virus can be spread many ways, including by people who don’t know they have it. Vaccination is the best protection: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/hepatitis_b/fact_sheet.htm
COVID hospitalizations in NY now exceed those from flu + RSV combined.
Last week: 298 COVID, 72 flu, 53 RSV hospitalizations.
COVID hospitalizations are climbing as vaccination rates lag behind — while flu and RSV cases rise. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses
Last week: 298 COVID, 72 flu, 53 RSV hospitalizations.
COVID hospitalizations are climbing as vaccination rates lag behind — while flu and RSV cases rise. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses
November 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
COVID hospitalizations in NY now exceed those from flu + RSV combined.
Last week: 298 COVID, 72 flu, 53 RSV hospitalizations.
COVID hospitalizations are climbing as vaccination rates lag behind — while flu and RSV cases rise. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses
Last week: 298 COVID, 72 flu, 53 RSV hospitalizations.
COVID hospitalizations are climbing as vaccination rates lag behind — while flu and RSV cases rise. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses
Navy veteran and Commissioner Dr. James McDonald joined staff and fellow commissioners—many also veterans—to spruce up the Empire State Plaza Vietnam Memorial. Together, they reflected on the things they might never have seen without their service.
November 10, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Navy veteran and Commissioner Dr. James McDonald joined staff and fellow commissioners—many also veterans—to spruce up the Empire State Plaza Vietnam Memorial. Together, they reflected on the things they might never have seen without their service.
“They made me feel loved and supported at a time when I was losing the most important person in my life.” Learn more about Hospice and Palliative Care: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
November 10, 2025 at 7:31 PM
“They made me feel loved and supported at a time when I was losing the most important person in my life.” Learn more about Hospice and Palliative Care: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
Reminder: There is an easy way to get real-time emergency and weather text alerts for your area. Just text your county or borough with no spaces to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Learn more: dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts
Emergency and Weather Alerts
A simple way to sign up for emergency and weather alerts.
dhses.ny.gov
November 10, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Reminder: There is an easy way to get real-time emergency and weather text alerts for your area. Just text your county or borough with no spaces to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Learn more: dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts
Discuss vaccine recommendations with your healthcare provider/OBGYN to ensure you are protected against serious illness caused by flu, COVID and RSV. Info about these vaccines: cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Discuss vaccine recommendations with your healthcare provider/OBGYN to ensure you are protected against serious illness caused by flu, COVID and RSV. Info about these vaccines: cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: "As we head into the fall and winter seasons, when respiratory infections typically surge, you can now follow the data regarding flu, COVID and RSV along with us.” More info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-07_respiratory_surveillance_report.htm
November 10, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: "As we head into the fall and winter seasons, when respiratory infections typically surge, you can now follow the data regarding flu, COVID and RSV along with us.” More info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-07_respiratory_surveillance_report.htm
Time is critical to provide treatment when someone is having a stroke. Learn the signs and possibly save a life: health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/stroke/
November 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Time is critical to provide treatment when someone is having a stroke. Learn the signs and possibly save a life: health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/stroke/
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. Protect their health today – talk to your pediatrician about recommended vaccines for RSV and other seasonal illnesses to support their immune systems. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_syncytial_virus/
November 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. Protect their health today – talk to your pediatrician about recommended vaccines for RSV and other seasonal illnesses to support their immune systems. Info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_syncytial_virus/
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald joined @WTEN’s Empire State Weekly to highlight @NYSDOH efforts to protect New Yorkers’ health – from the importance of the COVID vaccine to the federal shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits.
November 7, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald joined @WTEN’s Empire State Weekly to highlight @NYSDOH efforts to protect New Yorkers’ health – from the importance of the COVID vaccine to the federal shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits.
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Open Enrollment is a critical opportunity for all New Yorkers to secure health insurance coverage they need for themselves and their families.” Get started with Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans: nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace
Enroll Today! Shop for quality, affordable health insurance options at NY State of Health.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov
November 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Open Enrollment is a critical opportunity for all New Yorkers to secure health insurance coverage they need for themselves and their families.” Get started with Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans: nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
Free and confidential testing for chemicals in your body. Learn how to avoid harmful substances. Participants age 20+ will receive a gift card that day. A personal lab report will be sent at a later date. Info:
English - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
Spanish - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
English - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
Spanish - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
November 7, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Free and confidential testing for chemicals in your body. Learn how to avoid harmful substances. Participants age 20+ will receive a gift card that day. A personal lab report will be sent at a later date. Info:
English - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
Spanish - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
English - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
Spanish - health.ny.gov/environmenta...
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “The Department, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, remains committed to working with our federal, state & local partners to ensure we are bringing high quality & affordable health care services to rural communities.” See: health.ny.gov/press/releas...
November 7, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “The Department, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, remains committed to working with our federal, state & local partners to ensure we are bringing high quality & affordable health care services to rural communities.” See: health.ny.gov/press/releas...
Commissioner McDonald: “This investment will help researchers find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat serious diseases that affect so many New Yorkers…we’re supporting innovation, discovery and the training of our future health and science leaders.” governor.ny.gov/news/governo...
November 7, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Commissioner McDonald: “This investment will help researchers find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat serious diseases that affect so many New Yorkers…we’re supporting innovation, discovery and the training of our future health and science leaders.” governor.ny.gov/news/governo...