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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2002
PR-205-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS BILL INTRODUCING
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE


Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 227-A, sponsored at my request by Council Member Perkins. This bill combines two agencies, the Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services, and creates a new name for the combined agencies, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

"On November 6, 2001, New York City voters approved a proposed Charter change merging these two City Departments. The new name, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, better reflects the mission and purpose of the agency. The addition of mental hygiene recognizes the important functions that are performed in what was previously the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services. The new name also recognizes and gives these three disability areas an equal status with the health functions of the new agency.

"Removing the word 'public' from the health side better reflects the broad scope of functions previously lodged in the Department of Health. The Department of Health covers a wide spectrum of health-related activities, including epidemiology, health promotion, environmental and occupational health, disease prevention and health care access. The public should be aware that the Department's mission is broader than just the traditional public health functions, such as restaurant inspections and control of communicable diseases."


www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958