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“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.” ― Dalai Lama XIV 

After two years of a global pandemic, it’s hard sometimes to remember that public health is not just about responding to crises. Public Health is also proactive, working to realize visions of improving people’s overall health and well-being — visions that are usually well-grounded and evidence-based. They are visions of what may temporarily be just beyond our grasp but can be possible through collaboration and partnership.   
 
Here, in visual form and short text, are some of FPHNYC’s visions for the future and what we are doing to turn vision into reality.   

Ending Racism and Promoting Health Equity 

Racism is a public health crisis, and there is a long history of structural racism impacting health services and care. FPHNYC supports the priorities of the Health Department to advance anti-racism public health practice, reduce health inequities, and strengthen NYC’s collective approach to ensuring that all New Yorkers can realize their full health potential.  

Controlling COVID-19  

Widespread vaccination against COVID-19 is New York’s path to recovery, and FPHNYC is at the forefront of helping the City of New York and community partners provide fair and equitable access to vaccination.  

Improving Birth Outcomes 

Black women in NYC are eight times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related causes. In partnership with the Health Department, FPHNYC is piloting solutions to address inequities and transform programs so that pregnant New Yorkers and their babies in our city’s most vulnerable communities receive the support they need to thrive.  

Providing Healthy Choices

Good nutrition is important to an individual’s overall health, as well as a crucial part of managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. From programs to subsidize the cost of healthy food options at supermarkets and farmers markets to providing community-based health education about chronic illness, FPHNYC and our partners are helping New Yorkers take steps to improve their health. 

Preventing Overdose Deaths 

Opioid and substance misuse is a complex public health challenge, and drug overdoses have become one of the leading causes of death in NYC. FPHNYC is working closely with the Health Department to test and implement creative strategies to decrease the rate of opioid overdose deaths and remove barriers to care and resources for people with substance use disorder.   

Supporting Mental Health  

One in five New Yorkers struggles with a mental health condition. Together, FPHNYC and the Health Department are working to improve New Yorkers’ access to mental health support and enhance workforce development for mental health professionals. Anyone in need of immediate mental health assistance can reach out to NYC WELL