This New Year’s Eve, Don’t “Drop the Ball” on Health and Safety

NYC Health Department Counts Down Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe and Well As You Celebrate

December 29, 2025 — The New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) wishes you a happy, healthy new year! Whether you’re celebrating in Times Square or Tottenville, we’re here for you with information and resources. In the spirit of the holiday, we’re counting down the top 10 ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

“All New Yorkers deserve joy and health this year, and we’re here to help you make that happen!” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Morse. “From avoiding illness, to practicing safer sex, to mental health support, we’ve got you covered. It’s our job to ensure every New Yorker can lead a healthy life, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or where you live.”

1. Nix the sick. Avoid COVID-19, flu, and RSV by getting vaccinated, and practice additional preventative measures such as masking, washing hands often, and covering your coughs and sneezes. To find a vaccination site, visit the NYC Health Map. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. If you feel sick, stay home!
2. Is alcohol on your menu? Decide ahead of time how much you plan to consume and how you plan to get home safely, if traveling. Eat dinner first and enjoy snacks throughout the evening. Pace yourself and drink non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. Check whether the medications you are taking may increase the effects of alcohol on your body. Use a designated driver, public transportation, or taxi.
3. Is sex part of your New Year’s Eve plan? Choose safer sex strategies that work for you, like condoms, PrEP and emergency PEP to prevent HIV, and doxy-PEP to prevent certain sexually transmitted infections. The Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics offer low and no-cost HIV and STI services to anyone age 12 or older, regardless of immigration status. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sexualhealth.
4. Do you plan to use drugs? Avoid using alone. Create an overdose safety plan with someone who knows you are going to use and who could call 911 in case of an overdose or emergency. If you are going to use alone, call the “Never Use Alone” hotline at 1-877-696-1996 before using so someone can monitor your safety by phone. Start with a small amount and wait to see how you feel before taking more.
5. Avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs and alcohol. Using different drugs together, including alcohol, increases your risk of overdose.
6. Whether or not you use drugs, carry naloxone. This lifesaving medication can reverse an opioid overdose. If you are using drugs, leave naloxone out where others can find it. Naloxone is available at no cost from community-based programs and for purchase over the counter at pharmacies. If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately.
7. Seeking treatment for alcohol or drug use issues? Find a provider by visiting the NYC HealthMap, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support's Treatment Availability Dashboard, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment locator, or by calling 988.
8. Need mental health support? If you or a loved one is in crisis, or looking for mental health resources, contact the 988 helpline. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 regardless of immigration or insurance status, in over 200 languages via call, text, or chat online at nyc.gov/988.
9. Making a resolution to quit or cut back on smoking? Tobacco treatment can double your chances of success. Get help today.
10. Leave the fireworks to the experts. Last year, there were 45 fireworks-related emergency department visits in New York City, compared with an annual average of 33 from 2017 to 2023. In New York City, all consumer fireworks are illegal. Enjoy pyrotechnics stress-free across the city, from Central Park to Liberty Island!

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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov