Skip to main content

Become a Healthbeat sponsor

Inside Healthbeat

New York City: What should we know about public health in your neighborhood?

By

| July 30, 2024, 2:12pm UTC

Two people holding umbrellas outside on a hot and sunny day with a large brick apartment in the background. — People use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun in New York City, where extreme heat is a public health issue. (Adam Gray / Getty Images)

Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free New York City newsletter here.

At Healthbeat, we want to report on the public health issues that matter most to New Yorkers.

Public health is the science of preventing disease and improving life at the population level. That means using evidence-based strategies to address problems in your neighborhood, your borough, and your city.

These issues are threaded through our lives — even though we might not always realize it.

How safe is the water that you drink, and the air that you breathe? Is there lead or mold in your apartment? Has there been a disease outbreak at your workplace or in your child’s school? Can you get health care when you need it? Are you worried about climate change?

We’re eager to get into issues like these — and others we don’t know about. Tell us: What should we know about public health in your community?

Fill out the survey below to share your story with our newsroom. A Healthbeat journalist may reach out to learn more.

The Latest

FDA delays left recalled baby formula on store shelves, food safety expert says

FDA delays left recalled baby formula on store shelves, food safety expert says

The leader of the Association of Food and Drug Officials told Healthbeat that the FDA has been slow to share distribution lists for recalled ByHeart formula. “I’m not sure they recognize the sense of urgency,” he said.

By

| November 22

Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act disarms public health authority

Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act disarms public health authority

The law's broad language threatens the state’s ability to prevent illness and death from infectious diseases, and, if replicated elsewhere, it could unravel decades of progress in public health.

By

Dr. Jay K. Varma

| November 21

Refugee health screenings in DeKalb County drop from hundreds to just two

Refugee health screenings in DeKalb County drop from hundreds to just two

The screenings are not required, but are highly recommended for new arrivals from other countries. They include vision and hearing tests, as well as those for infectious diseases.

By

Rebecca Grapevine

| November 21

Flu surging in NYC, overdoses declining, and a shift in emergency mental health services

Flu surging in NYC, overdoses declining, and a shift in emergency mental health services

As we head into Thanksgiving, when many of us will be traveling to see loved ones, flu and RSV are top of mind. To reduce the spread of illness, consider masking in indoor crowded spaces.

By

Marisa Donnelly, Your Local Epidemiologist New York

| November 21

Nurses with addiction risk careers if they seek help. Recovery advocates urge an alternative.

Nurses with addiction risk careers if they seek help. Recovery advocates urge an alternative.

The aim is to keep nurses in the workforce and ward off serious crises for them and their patients. At least 41 states have implemented such programs.

By

Rebecca Grapevine

| November 20

As botulism outbreak grows, major stores still selling recalled ByHeart baby formula

As botulism outbreak grows, major stores still selling recalled ByHeart baby formula

At least 31 infants in 15 states who have been fed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula have been hospitalized with suspected or confirmed infant botulism.

By

| November 20