Governor Paterson

David A. Paterson, Governor

Commissioner Daines

Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

Health News

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

For questions, call the Department's hotline at 1-800-808-1987. New York City residents should call 311.

May 8, 2009

Statement from Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

In the two weeks since the first cases of H1N1 (swine flu) were reported in New York State, Governor Paterson marshaled a comprehensive health emergency response to the possibility of a severe H1N1 outbreak statewide.

May 7, 2009

Statement from Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

It has been two weeks since the State Health Department (DOH) was first alerted to the possibility that the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak was extending into New York State. As you know, Governor Paterson quickly took action and directed DOH to coordinate the response to the outbreak and activate our Health Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Governor Paterson Announces $175 Million in New Funding for Restructuring of State's Health Care System

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State will provide $175 million in new funding to further the restructuring of New York's health care system. This funding, provided under the State's Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law (HEAL NY), will help hospitals transition to a new model of care through the consolidation of excess hospital beds and the support of more outpatient care, furthering the Governor's primary and preventive health care agenda.

May 6, 2009

Governor Paterson Applauds Obama Administration for Removing Barriers to Providing Better, More Cost-Effective Health Care

Governor David A. Paterson today applauded U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for proposing to rescind regulations that would have restricted states' flexibility to administer the Medicaid program, shifted costs from the federal government to states, and significantly reduced funding for critical Medicaid providers, including state agencies, school districts, critical health providers and beneficiaries.

Statement from Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

Governor Paterson's leadership has been invaluable in mounting a strong statewide response to H1N1 (swine flu). As a result, New York is leading the nation in our response to this outbreak.

May 5, 2009

Governor Paterson Announces One New Confirmed H1N1 Case

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that specimen testing performed Monday by the New York State Department of Health's (DOH) Wadsworth Laboratories resulted in one new confirmed case of H1N1 (swine flu).

Statement from Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

Governor Paterson asked me to coordinate a statewide response to H1N1 swine flu.