Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Rudolph W. Giullanl Neal L. Cohen, M.D. Mayor Commissioner

Accomplishments from 1994 to Present New York City Department of Health October 1999

Between January 1994 and the present, the Department of Health has achieved numerous accomplishments.

A) Integration

During Fiscal 1999, the Department of Health launched an internal strategic initiative to better integrate its public health functions. The new organizational structure, which was introduced in September 1999, will improve the Department's ability to: monitor health status by consolidating disease registries and integrating surveillance activities; implement initiatives that cross-cut across multiple bureaus; conduct medical education and provider training; and build a stronger community presence through partnerships.

B) Tuberculosis Control

New York City experienced a resurgence of tuberculosis, with the disease incidence peaking in 1992. There was an increase in multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis — a far more difficult strain to treat. In response, the Department implemented a comprehensive tuberculosis control program that includes the use of directly observed therapy (DOT) and directly observed preventive therapy (DOPT) to ensure full compliance of the treatment program and reduce MDR tuberculosis. From calendar years 1994 to 1998 the number of new tuberculosis cases decreased 48 percent from 2,995 to 1,558. Because ofits success the City's program has become an international model for tuberculosis control.

C) HIV/AIDS

New York City accounts for about three percent of the nation's population, but 16 percent of all AIDS cases. During the last five years, the Department received and distributed close to $100 million each year in federal funding for the provision of primary care mental health, substance abuse, case management and other services for people affected by HIV/AIDS. In 1997, the Department was successful in ensuring that the standard of care for the treatment of HIV/AIDS was met in correctional facilities by providing protease inhibitor medications. The Department has also been providing counseling and testing and social service referral

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