New York State Department of Health
The NYS Department of Health (DOH) is the state's public health agency, dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. Its mission is to protect and promote health for all, building on a foundation of health equity.
Our Core Functions
The department's work is broad, covering everything from disease prevention to ensuring quality care in our health facilities. This section outlines the primary responsibilities we undertake to protect and improve public health across the state.
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Implementing programs to prevent chronic diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, and managing vaccination efforts to stop the spread of communicable diseases.
Environmental Health Protection
Ensuring safe drinking water, clean air, and safe food services. We regulate public facilities and respond to environmental health threats to protect communities.
Health Facility & Provider Oversight
Licensing and regulating hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to ensure they meet quality and safety standards for patient care.
Health Data & Surveillance
Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating public health data, including vital records (births, deaths), to monitor health trends and inform policy decisions.
Research & Laboratory Services
Operating the Wadsworth Center, a leading public health laboratory that conducts research and provides testing for diseases and environmental hazards.
Administering Health Programs
Managing state-level public health insurance programs like Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan to ensure access to care for eligible residents.
Services for New Yorkers
We provide a wide array of direct services and resources to individuals and families across the state. This section highlights some of the key programs available to help you and your loved ones stay healthy.
Health Insurance
Connect to affordable health coverage through NY State of Health, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan.
WIC Program
Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for women, infants, and children up to age five.
Early Intervention
Offers support and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.
Vital Records
Issues certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for events that occurred in New York State.
Public Health Emergency Response
When public health emergencies strike—from disease outbreaks to natural disasters—the department coordinates a swift and comprehensive response. Our goal is to protect the public by managing resources, providing clear information, and working with local partners.
Surveillance & Detection
Monitoring data and reports to quickly identify potential health threats.
Investigation
Deploying teams to investigate outbreaks, identify causes, and assess risks.
Communication
Providing clear, timely information and guidance to the public and partners.
Coordination & Response
Mobilizing resources, distributing supplies, and coordinating with local health departments.
Our Organizational Structure
The Department is organized into several major offices and centers, each with a specific focus, to efficiently carry out its diverse mission. Explore the key divisions below to understand their roles and see a conceptual breakdown of their operational focus. Click on a division name to learn more about its responsibilities.
Major Divisions
Select a division to see its description.