The New York State Department of Health has launched the 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda, which serves as the state’s health improvement plan. The initiative aims to guide coordinated efforts by state and local entities to enhance public health and reduce disparities, with a focus on prevention.
“Health is shaped by many factors beyond traditional medical care, and improving the health of our communities requires addressing those broader determinants,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The goal of New York’s Prevention Agenda is to improve population health and reduce health disparities by preventing problems before they start and tackling the root causes that impact well-being — in partnership with local governments, health care providers, and community organizations across the state.”
The agenda was developed through a collaborative process involving stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and alignment with principles of health equity. A cross-disciplinary team contributed to setting priorities that reflect the needs of communities throughout New York.
Collaboration between the Department of Health, the Public Health and Health Planning Council, and local partners is seen as key for achieving progress on these priorities.
The updated agenda places greater emphasis on reducing disparities and advancing equity rather than solely focusing on overall outcomes. This approach aligns with the department’s vision for all individuals in New York to reach their highest level of health throughout their lives.
Designed for use by public health departments, hospitals, and other organizations at various levels, the plan prioritizes interventions supported by evidence while considering their potential impact on inequities related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, and other factors. Its success relies on strong partnerships and effective resource use.
New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council Vice Chair Jo Ivey Boufford stated: “The Public Health Committee has been deeply involved in the development of the new Prevention Agenda on behalf of the NYS Public Health and Health Planning Council which has endorsed the plan. The Committee has also worked with NYSDOH to convene a statewide group of over 120 representatives from 48 agencies to provide input on the new plan through its Ad Hoc Committee on the Prevention Agenda. We look forward to overseeing the progress on the Agenda and are enthusiastic about the potential for other State agencies to join NYSDOH in addressing the broader determinants of health.”
Heidi Bond, President of New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), commented: “Developed with input from local health departments, the New York State Prevention Agenda is vital to ensuring that our public health work reflects the voices and needs of all community members. Investing now to prevent disease and illness will not only save lives but also reduce long-term costs. By addressing the health of our communities before people get sick, we can create healthier, more economically resilient communities, ensuring that our efforts have lasting, positive impacts for all.”
Bea Grause, President of Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), added: “HANYS thanks the New York State Department of Health for its continued commitment to improving community health. The 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda recognizes the many factors that drive health and health outcomes and understands that collaboration within our communities is essential to reducing disparities and improving New Yorkers’ health and well-being. HANYS and our member hospitals and health systems look forward to continued engagement with DOH and local partners as we collectively work to address these new Prevention Agenda priorities.”
Lloyd Bishop from Greater New York Hospital Association said: “The 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda reflects the State’s critically important public health goals, with key new partners as stakeholders to address the social determinants of health. Greater New York Hospital Association will continue to work closely with the State and provide technical assistance to our member hospitals to help them achieve Prevention Agenda goals.”
Tina Kim, Deputy Commissioner for Office of Health Equity & Human Rights at NYSDOH stated: “The 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda embodies the New York State Department of Health’s mission of public health work on a foundation of health equity. The Department is eager to advance the next six-year cycle of this evidence-based, community-informed framework for how the State and its partners will address root causes and intersecting factors that impact all New Yorkers’ health & well-being.”
A Social Determinants of Health Interagency Workgroup was also established earlier this year. It brings together experts from various fields such as economics, vulnerable populations studies, SDOH research, equity analysis, among others. This group will meet quarterly in order to review progress made under this agenda while exploring strategies for further interagency cooperation aimed at advancing equity statewide.
Further details about this initiative are available through official channels.
