The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an enormous toll on New York State, with more than 50,000 New Yorkers dead and nearly 2 million infected by the coronavirus as of April 2021.
The pandemic has also had a devastating effect on people’s daily lives and wellbeing, resulting in a myriad of hardships, including employment loss, income loss, food and housing insecurity, social isolation, and mental health issues. Existing and ongoing racial and ethnic disparities have also been glaringly exposed. COVID-19 death rates and hospitalization rates are twice as high for Black New Yorkers as for their white counterparts.
NYHealth is supporting a wide range of efforts to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on New Yorkers and how communities and policymakers can help keep residents informed and healthy during the pandemic. See some highlights of our analytic work.
NYHealth’s Analytic Work
One Year Later: Food Scarcity in New York State During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This report analyzes self-reported survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau related to food scarcity in New York State from the start of the coronavirus pandemic through the end of 2020. It presents food scarcity rates by race and ethnicity, age, and household income, and compares New York State with neighboring states.
This report extends trends described in a prior NYHealth brief that focused on the phase-one results.
Still Recovering: Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York State
This report uses survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau analyzes mental health in New York State during the pandemic. The report examines mental health by race and ethnicity, age, and household income, and compares symptoms among New Yorkers who did and did not experience a loss in household employment income during the pandemic.
Fact Sheet: The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on New York State Veterans
This fact sheet offers data on how COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of military veterans in New York State and nationally. It also explores how the pandemic may exacerbate mental health and substance use issues that too often bring veterans in contact with the criminal justice system.
When One Shot Is Not Enough: Ensuring New Yorkers Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Series
This issue brief explores the logistical challenges of multi-dose vaccines and identifies strategies to address key barriers to vaccine completion: a lack of vaccine education, not having a usual source of health care, and vaccine cost.
Preparing for New York State’s Flu Season During a Pandemic
This report explores strategies for reducing flu infection during a coronavirus pandemic, highlighting approaches to mitigate the harm during and beyond COVID-19.
Public Comments
Throughout 2020 and 2021, NYHealth submitted public testimony and comments on diverse COVID-19-related issues for policymakers, including on the equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccines; the ramifications of food insecurity for New Yorkers; the status of mental health; and the impact on SNAP, food pantries, and soup kitchens.
See a list of practical resources on NYHealth’s COVID-19 resource page, created with national, State, and local information for nonprofits and community-based organizations about topics like food assistance, health insurance, mental health services, employment, housing, and vaccine information.