Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the New York City Charter as amended in 2001, the Department reflects the merger of the New York City Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Alcoholism Services.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's mission is to preserve and promote the health and mental health of all New Yorkers, and to promote the realization of full potential of those with disabling conditions. The department achieves this mission through a) ongoing assessment of the health status of the community, b) formulating policies and implementing programs to promote the public's health, and c) ensuring access to services by providing direct public health services or facilitating access to health care and ancillary services.