ALBANY, N.Y. (July 29, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health today announced new efforts to better promote and protect the health of all New Yorkers. A strategic planning effort led by Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett focused on optimizing the Department’s talent, workflow and collaboration, integrating new systems, and increasing -diversity as part of its overall mission to build a stronger and more equitable New York. To achieve this goal, the Department established an Office of Aging andamp; Long-term Care, Office of Health Equity & Human Rights, Chief Medical Officer, and established a leadership cabinet. Additionally, Dr. Bassett is prioritizing agency-wide data sharing and use to drive policies, and a renewed emphasis on regional office engagement with local health departments.
The Department’s rebuilding effort came down to five areas of focus:
“Public health touches every aspect of our lives,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “Our new organizational focus and leadership team structure will better position the Department to shape our priorities and delivery systems to improve access to health and outcomes for all New Yorkers. The scope of this Department extends beyond traditional public health and includes a regulatory function for health care delivery institutions and health insurance programs that provide coverage to more than a third of New Yorkers. In my role as commissioner, I intend to do my best to fulfill our mandate. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.”
Since becoming Health Commissioner, Dr. Bassett has sought to optimize cross-functional collaboration, recruit and retain a more diverse workforce, elevate the health equity and needs of older New Yorkers, foster a culture of ‘ inclusiveness, and prioritizes the use of data to drive public health. decisions. She also sought ideas from the staff, the backbone of the Department. Staff surveys, focus groups and multiple conversations were essential to understand the challenges the Department faces and how to address them.”
These new areas of focus will guide the Department’s work over the next 3 years. Our goal is to improve health equity and reduce disparities between racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups while leveraging data to inform policies and improve health outcomes. We will work to reduce our chronic disease burden through effective public health programs and new models of care. The Department will also continue to use the latest technology and communication platforms to disseminate critical public health information to the public and help protect them from preventable diseases and illnesses.
Additional highlights of the Department’s rebuild include improving data capabilities and data use that are integral to advancing its mission; increasing communications, policy and data support for chronic disease programs; and the establishment of a new operating model for the Office of Health Emergency Preparedness. The Department will place an increased focus on recruiting, hiring and growing our workforce, while also ensuring that current employees have the resources and support they need to protect b effectively the health of all New Yorkers.
The Department will continue to provide updates on the next steps of the rebuilding process.
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