We're going to start to see Trump's effect on healthcare coverage in the coming months. In NY State 1.7 million NYers are under threat of losing coverage. Great explanation from @marisadonnelly.bsky.social on how the state government is trying to save coverage for as many people as possible.
The Bill will have devastating cuts to rural healthcare services. This article does a good job explaining how Medicaid cuts will impact rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Upstate New York, basically forcing many to close www.syracuse.com/health/2025/...
Let’s go! Live at 10am est!
It’s a big day for YLE New York!
1. Our community just hit 10k subscribers! I’m blown away by this milestone and beyond grateful for the support 🫶🫶
2. We published our first health policy voter guide. Voting for the NYC Mayoral Primary starts Saturday. Guide here: open.substack.com/pub/yourloca...
Great overview from @viralvibes.bsky.social of what’s on the line with the potential Medicaid cuts within the next federal budget. This concentrates on NY but applies more broadly to most states.
New Jersey wildfire updates🔥: 12k acres burned, 35% contained.
Evacuations are 100% lifted for those who evacuated yesterday (good news!).
Smoke is still a risk: check AQI here airnow.gov
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page is the best place for updates: www.facebook.com/NJForestFire...
Bottom Line:
Fluoride in New York’s drinking water is safe, beneficial, and crucial for public health equity. Let’s keep all our kids smiling. To get more insights like this, subscribe to yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com (11/11)
If questions come up around fluoride in your community, there are a couple of things you can do:
-Check local water reports.
-Talk to your dentist about fluoride.
-Stay informed and engaged in local health conversations. (10/11)
Though questions may come up locally, and the decision to fluoridate will continue to be made on a county-by-county basis. This year in NYC, Mayor Adams essentially entrusted the health department with the decision to continue water fluoridation, and they are in favor of maintaining it. (9/11)
Most public water systems in New York have been adding fluoride to drinking water for decades. With years of evidence for benefit, I don’t see a big movement to dismantle these systems in New York. (8/11)
Health Equity Matters:
Fluoride protects those without access to dental care. Kids in lower-income families face nearly 3x more untreated cavities. Removing fluoride would widen this gap. (7/11)
Is it Safe?
Another yes. Levels in New York water are tested daily and strictly regulated—far below federal limits. No samples exceeded even half the state safety limits last year. (6/11)
Does Fluoride Work?
Yes! A NY State study showed counties without fluoride had 33% more dental procedures due to tooth decay. (5/11)
New York’s Situation:
Most New York state counties add fluoride to drinking water-around 60–70% of New Yorkers receive fluoridated water. Some major counties like Suffolk, Nassau, and Rockland choose not to. NYC’s water has been fluoridated since 1965. (4/11)
Quick Refresher:
Since the 1940s, fluoride (a naturally occurring mineral) has been added to U.S. drinking water to prevent cavities. Think of it as calcium, but for your teeth—strengthening enamel and preventing decay. (3/11)
There is a national debate on whether we should continue adding fluoride to drinking water. Utah banned fluoride last month. Could bans be coming to New York? (2/11)
Fluoride in New York's drinking water: What's happening, is it safe, and why does it matter? A quick thread 🧵 from YLE New York's most recent post (1/11)
Rapid changes in our federal public health systems are directly impacting New York — from threats to 9/11 first responder programs to delays in vaccine recommendations. At the same time, vaccine-preventable diseases, including flu and measles, are active in our region.
State laws don’t just shape health policy—they act as shields, protecting patients and providers when federal policies fall short. Whether it’s emerging infectious disease threats or reproductive rights, New York is showing how states can be frontline defenders of public health.
Changes to NIH and other federal public health funding will impact New Yorkers and the local economy. In New York, NIH supports more than 29,000 jobs and $8 billion in economic activity. With funding freezes, we're already seeing the short-term impacts on local health programs.
delayed/cut funding impacts health programs in NY state.
How the federal chaos is impacting NY state public health (from respondents to national survey by YLE). NY data n=58. Compiled by @viralvibes.bsky.social & reported in her weekly Healthbeat email newsletter. One example below. Note how much research is impacted. 1/n
New York’s strong public health system and accessible data dashboards help shield it from federal chaos — good news for epidemiologists and the public.
But a weakened CDC and federal rollbacks could still ripple through and impact New Yorkers. Here’s how 👇
LA friends, masking is crucial right now:
-if you smell smoke or see ash, wear at least an N95 (or higher protection, like P100)
-if you are at/nearby a burned or smoke-damage property, mask up
-relying on AQI has limitations - some toxins in the air following fires aren't included in AQI data
For those close to fires:
-Shut windows
-Turn off vents to the outside
-Wear a N95 mask outside, but P100+organic vapor is better to stop toxic gas exposure
-Use air purifiers inside
-After the fires, change your house AC filter
From @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Joseph Allen
If you're in an evacuation zone in SoCal, please check in with any disabled/aging neighbors you have to see if they need help evacuating.
Los Angeles friends, please stay safe! Download the Watch Duty app www.watchduty.org to get alerts on the wildfires. Listen to evacuation orders -> mapped here www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.html. Remember to wear an N95 outside to avoid inhaling smoke.
Our post this week is special because it celebrates the kind of impactful work that people in public health do - work that creates lasting, positive changes for communities. And it’s not just New York; these wins are happening all over the country and in your communities. Here's to 2025!
Finally, the loss of any expecting or recent mother is a tragedy. We have a lot of work to do to keep our New York mothers and babies safe.
The health of a health system can be measured by how well it cares for expecting moms. Maternal deaths have profound ripple effects on families and communities and provide an important window into broader health disparities.
