Health News
May 10, 2012
Health Departments Team Up Against Mosquitoes
State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., and health officials from counties in Central New York have joined together to raise awareness about the dangers of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the importance of taking personal protective measures to reduce the risk of disease.
May 4, 2012
MEDIA ADVISORY: Public Forum - Peninsula Hospital
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) will hold a forum for the purpose of providing an opportunity for the community to discuss health care services in the Rockaway/Queens community following the closure of Peninsula Hospital.
April 25, 2012
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The State Health Department (DOH), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourage New Yorkers to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday (April 28), which provides an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at a local community drop-off site.
April 10, 2012
New York State Unveils New Online Service to Increase Organ Donations
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and State Health Department (DOH) today announced that New Yorkers can now easily enroll in the State's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry online through MyDMV
April 3, 2012
New York Observes National Public Health Week
In commemoration of National Public Health Week, April 2-8, 2012, State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., highlighted recent public health achievements in New York and pledged to build on these efforts to ensure all New Yorkers enjoy optimal health.
March 29, 2012
State Health Commissioner Orders a Stop to Sale of Synthetic Marijuana
New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. has issued an order of summary action banning the sale of synthetic marijuana products in New York State. These substances, generally referred to as "synthetic marijuana", consist of plant material coated by chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These products are being sold as a "legal alternative" to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco stores with brand names such as "Spice", "K2", "Mr. Nice Guy", and "Galaxy Gold".
March 23, 2012
New York State Health Commissioner Warns of the Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana
Dr. Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. , the Commissioner of the Department of Health, has sent an alert to emergency departments, county health officials, and health care providers throughout New York State warning of an emerging threat to public health associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids. These substances, generally referred to as "synthetic marijuana", consist of plant material coated by chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These products are being sold as a "legal alternative" to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco stores with brand names such as "Spice", "K2", "Blaze" and "Red Dawn X."
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