Statement From Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald On Black History Month

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 1, 2024) - "As we celebrate Black History Month, the New York State Department of Health is reaffirming our commitment to implementing and promoting programs and policies that strengthen health equity for all and eliminate barriers to improving health outcomes for Black New Yorkers.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time to recognize significant contributions Black Americans have made. Derived from Negro History Week and created by Black Historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month has been celebrated in February since 1976. Canada and the United Kingdom have also devoted a month to celebrating Black History.

Sadly, systemic racism has played a role in inequitable health outcomes and lack of quality care that has impacted the Black community and other communities of color.

Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the State Health Department will continue working to improve access to quality care and eliminate health disparities as we address the disproportionate impacts that preventable conditions such as maternal mortality, heart disease, and diabetes have on the Black community.

As Shirley Chisholm, fellow New Yorker, and America's first Black woman elected to Congress, once said: 'Unless we start to fight and defeat the enemies in our own country, poverty and racism, and make our talk of equality and opportunity ring true, we are exposed in the eyes of the world as hypocrites when we talk about making people free.'

Every day, this month especially, I encourage everyone to not only celebrate the many contributions Black Americans have made to this country but to recognize the adversity the Black community continues to face and yet overcome. As public servants, we all play a significant role in putting an end to the health inequalities, injustices, and systemic racism that Black Americans and other communities of color experience each day."