Health News
January 6, 2009
WIC Revamps Food Choices for First Time in Nearly 35 Years
New York has become the first state in the nation to revamp its WIC nutrition program to reflect the latest science on healthy diets and address obesity. This is the first major change in food offerings to low-income women, infants and children in 35 years, and will offer whole grains, low-fat milk, fruits and vegetables.
January 5, 2009
Health Department Launches New Projects to Improve the Care of Chronically Ill Medicaid Patients
The New York State Health Department today announced the creation of regional demonstration projects to address the complex health care needs and social barriers to care for chronically ill Medicaid beneficiaries.
January 2, 2009
Governor Paterson Announces Increased Efforts to Ensure that Vulnerable New Yorkers Have Access to Food and Nutritional Supports as State Sees Record High Enrollment in Food Stamp Program
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State is taking further steps toward assisting the State's most vulnerable residents by authorizing a one-time, $1 million emergency increase in funding for regional food banks across New York. While visiting the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham, Governor Paterson also announced that New York has received an additional $364 million in federal funding for the State's Food Stamp Program over the last 15 months.
December 30, 2008
Health Commissioner Uses YouTube to Explain "Soda Tax"
To close New York's budget deficit, Governor Paterson has proposed an additional 18 percent rate of sales tax on fruit drinks that contain less than 70 percent natural fruit juice and non-dietetic soft drinks, sodas and other beverages. Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., explains why this proposal would help reduce childhood obesity and improve New Yorkers' health.
December 23, 2008
State Health Department Unveils Web-Based Tool to Help Plan High-Performing Health Care System
Joined by legislative and community partners, State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today unveiled a new web-based tool that will be used to help plan a high-performing, affordable health care system with primary care as the centerpiece.
December 22, 2008
Food Policy Council Issues Report to Governor Paterson
The New York State Council on Food Policy today issued its annual report to Governor David A. Paterson. The report, required by Executive Order #13, includes a summary of the Council's activities over the past year, as well as its recommendations on food policy for 2009 and proposed steps needed to implement the recommendations.