The New York State Department of Health has announced the launch of the 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda, which serves as the state’s Health Improvement Plan and provides a framework for coordinated action to improve public health and reduce disparities across New York.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Health is shaped by many factors beyond traditional medical care, and improving the health of our communities requires addressing those broader determinants. 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 development process for this agenda included significant stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on aligning with principles of health equity. A cross-disciplinary team worked together to define priorities that reflect community needs statewide.
Collaboration is emphasized as essential for achieving results under the new plan. The Department developed the agenda alongside the Public Health and Health Planning Council and local partners, highlighting collective action as key to addressing outlined priorities.
A major change in this iteration is a shift from focusing only on overall health outcomes toward reducing disparities and advancing equity through preventative actions aimed at root causes of illness and injury. This approach supports the Department’s vision for every individual in New York to reach their highest level of health throughout life.
The agenda will guide not just state agencies but also local health departments, hospital systems, and other organizations. It encourages evidence-based interventions while considering impacts on various demographic groups defined by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, or other characteristics. Success will depend on ongoing partnerships and creative use of available resources.
Jo Ivey Boufford, M.D., Vice Chair of the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council said, “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 NYSACHO (New York State Association of County Health Officials), 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 RN JD, President of HANYS (Healthcare Association of New York State), 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, Senior Vice President for Community Health at 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 howthe Stateand its partners will address theroot causesandthe intersecting factorsthat impact allNew Yorkers’healthandwell-being.”
To further support these goals,the Department established a Social Determinants OfHealth(SDOH) Interagency Workgroup.This group includes experts in SDOH,equity,and vulnerable populations.Their first meeting was held in February 2025.They meet quarterlyto coordinate strategies,reviews progress,and align resources toward shared objectives outlinedinthisPreventionAgenda.
Further information aboutthePreventionAgendais availableat https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2025-2030/.
