New York State Department of Health Celebrates 125 Years of Advancing Public Health

Department Commemorates 125 Years of Protecting Health of New Yorkers

State Health Commissioner Shares Anniversary Message here

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 19, 2026) - Today, the New York State Department of Health celebrates its 125th anniversary. For more than a century, the Department has protected New Yorkers from dangerous diseases, expanded access to life-saving vaccines, tracked vital health statistics and championed health equity for all New Yorkers-regardless of race or zip code.

"For 125 years, the New York State Department of Health has been the trusted voice of science and reason for New Yorkers regarding their health and well-being," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We have guided New York through pandemics, epidemics, world wars all while advancing the public's health, as well as science and discovery. Our work has been, is and always will be about people. In partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, we are proud to build on our history and inspired every day to keep building a healthier future for all New Yorkers-no matter their race, background or ZIP code."

"For 125 years, the New York State Department of Health has been dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of New Yorkers," Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne said. "Our history reflects a deep commitment to science, service and equity-and as we look ahead, we remain focused on ensuring every community has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being."

Founded in 1901, the New York State Department of Health has worked for more than a century to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

Department Highlights:

• 1900s

• 1901 : Became a national leader in producing diphtheria and tetanus antitoxins and later in controlling sexually transmitted diseases 1914 : Pioneered food and drink sanitation standards 1918 : Responded to global influenza pandemic or "Spanish" flu

• 1920s

• 1923 : Expanded services to include the control of tuberculosis, cancer and venereal disease

• 1930s

• 1931 : Required by State Legislature that all cities with populations greater than 50,000 have full-time health officers

• 1940s

• 1947 : Isolated the Coxsackie virus, a causative agent in several diseases 1948 : Participation of New York State residents in an experiment to test water fluoridation

• 1950s

• 1955 : Administers Salk vaccine for polio to more than 500,000 New York children

• 1960s

• 1965 : Introduced Medicaid and Medicare as a means of insurance

  • Implemented first-in-nation newborn screening

• 1970s

• 1979 : Identified Lyme Disease. In 1982, Department became a national leader in prevention of the disease

• 1980s

• 1983 : Established AIDS Institute to administer HIV/AIDS support and services 1987 : Created Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program for low-income seniors 1989 : Clean Indoor Act restricts smoking in some public places ****

• 1990s

• 1991 : Improved access to quality health care for children through the introduction of Child Health Plus 1994 : Expands the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) making it the most comprehensive AIDS medication coverage program in the nation

• 2000s

• 2001 : Provided a rapid surge in laboratory capacity to respond to the need for analysis of suspected Anthrax mail in the state and nation's capital 2005 : Expands its Newborn Screening Program from 11 to 44 diseases making it the most comprehensive screening program of its kind in the nation

• 2020s

• 2020 : During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department along with Local Health Departments activated and mobilized emergency preparedness plans, conducted case investigations, contact tracing, enforced isolation and quarantine orders, established testing clinics, connected vulnerable populations to essential resources and kept community members informed.
  From expanding access to vaccinations to applying advances in science and medicine, the Department has played a vital role in preventing disease and responding to public health challenges.

Health equity is foundational to the Department's mission to protect and promote health for all. Guided by the belief that health includes physical, mental, and social well-being, the Department works to ensure every New Yorker thrives—regardless of race, background or ZIP code.

Driven by the values of public good, integrity, innovation, collaboration, excellence, respect and inclusion, the Department remains committed to building healthier communities across New York State.

Back to top