Establishes the New York state healthy community program within the department of health

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing the New York state healthy community program

Purpose

To establish within the Department of Health the New York State Healthy Community Program. This program will promote community-based approaches to chronic disease prevention and control. It will build on the success of the model communities in the federal Steps to a Healthier NY Program.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the public health law by adding a new section 2704. Section 2704 has three subsections. Subsection 1 establishes the healthy community program within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health. It instructs the department to develop this program with community-based approaches to chronic disease prevention and control which build on the success of the model communities in the federal Steps to a Healthier NY Program. Subsection 2 establishes criteria the department must meet in order to develop the healthy community program. Subsection 3 authorizes the commissioner to expend any funding the program may receive. In addition, it gives the commissioner the authority to conduct an audit of the program as provided for in state law. Lastly, subsection three also provides for fifteen percent of the appropriations to be transferred to the state operations account for the administration of the program.

Section 2 states that the act shall take effect immediately.

Existing law

None.

Justification

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and asthma, as well as the health complications caused by these diseases, are often preventable. The adoption of healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the effects of chronic diseases and their complications. The prevention of chronic diseases is necessary because recent research has shown that such diseases are the leading cause of death among New Yorkers. In fact, 73% of the deaths in New York State occur every year because a person has at least one chronic disease. Not only do chronic diseases account for a significant loss of life in our state every year, they account for a substantial amount of our health care expenditures nationally. For example, more than 75% of the nation's health care costs are related to fighting chronic diseases. By implementing efforts to promote the prevention of chronic diseases, such as this legislation, it is estimated that the costs of national health care can be reduced by $100 billion to $125 billion a year.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None to the state unless appropriations are specifically authorized.

Effective date

Immediately.