New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), recently marked the two-year anniversary of the city’s HealthyNYC Plan. This initiative, which aims to enhance the health and longevity of all New Yorkers, has led to a notable increase in the city’s provisional 2024 life expectancy, which now stands at 83.2 years, surpassing the initial goal of reaching 83 years by 2030.
The HealthyNYC Plan, launched in 2023, was designed to tackle significant causes of premature death, including chronic illnesses, screenable cancers, overdoses, suicides, maternal mortality, violence, and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Mayor Adams took pride in the achievement, emphasizing the importance of healthier lifestyle choices and how public health strategies have dramatically improved outcomes for residents. He stated that while life expectancy has reached a historic high, disparities still exist that need to be addressed.
Dr. Morse echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, recognizing the accomplishment as a milestone while highlighting the persistent racial inequities in health outcomes. She pointed out the need for ongoing targeted public health investments to ensure equitable health futures for every New Yorker.
The data showcasing the increase in life expectancy reflects a rise from 80.7 years in 2021 to 83.2 years in 2024, marking a significant improvement. This achievement is primarily credited to a substantial decline in COVID-19 death rates across all demographics, alongside the city’s comprehensive response to the pandemic, which included widespread vaccination campaigns and effective public health initiatives.
Between 2021 and 2024, notable statistics reveal that COVID-19 deaths decreased by an impressive 93.1 percent. Other key statistics include a modest increase of 0.7 percent in screenable cancer deaths, despite a significant presence of inequity in these rates, particularly affecting non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic white populations. Additionally, heart and diabetes-related deaths saw a 3.4 percent decrease, while suicides dropped by 2.3 percent, and homicides saw a remarkable reduction of 26.4 percent.
The HealthyNYC initiative is bolstered by Local Law 93-A, which ensures its permanence in civic planning. The agenda requires revisitation and updates every five years, underscoring the city’s dedication to improving the health of all its residents.
The progress made through HealthyNYC and the commitment to addressing health inequities signals a hopeful trajectory for public health in New York City, aiming for continued improvement in life expectancy and quality of life for all New Yorkers.