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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 27, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

New Yorkers’ Life Expectancy Increased to Pre-Covid-19

Pandemic High of 82.6 Years In 2023: Report

HealthyNYC Data Show 89.8 Percent Drop in COVID-19 Deaths Since 2021, Driving the
Increase in Life Expectancy among New Yorkers

OUR BUREAU
NEW YORK, NY
he New York City Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene
T(DOHMH) has released data
showing that in 2023, life expectancy
at birth for New Yorkers returned to
its pre-COVID-19 pandemic high of
82.6 years. Between 2021 and 2023,
the data show reductions in deaths
from COVID-19 (down 89.8 percent),
heart- and diabetes-related diseases
(down 4.7 percent), screenable can-
cers (down 4.6 percent), and homi-
cides (down 20.3 percent). However,
the data show increases in overdose
deaths in 2023 compared to 2021 (up
12.7 percent over this time period, de-
spite more recent decreases) and sui-
cide (up 1.7 percent).
Launched in 2023, the Adams
administration’s HealthyNYC cam-
paign aims to extend the average life
expectancy of all New Yorkers to re-
cord lengths. The campaign has set
ambitious and measurable targets to
reduce the impacts of leading caus-
es of premature death, risk factors, Miles-Gustave. “There is more to do ber Lynn Schulman, Chair of the City Earlier this year, the DOHMH
and excess deaths, including chronic to support New Yorkers across all Council’s Health Committee. “As released its chronic disease report,
and diet-related diseases, screenable these categories especially opioid is- prime sponsor of the legislation that which lays out a series of proposals for
cancers, overdoses, suicide, maternal sues and mental health. Ultimately, made HealthyNYC a permanent part how to lower heart- and diabetes-re-
mortality, violence, and COVID-19. every New Yorker deserves a long, of our city’s public health strategy, I’m lated deaths as well as screenable can-
Overall, the plan aims to increase healthy life and we will do our part proud to see this initiative driving real cers—especially in communities with
New Yorkers’ average life expectancy as a city to make that goal a reality.” progress. We still have work to do— the highest burden of disease. This
to at least 83 years by 2030. “New York City’s life expectancy especially to end persistent racial and strategy encompasses improving ac-
“New Yorkers deserve to live increased to 82.6 years in 2023, re- neighborhood health gaps—but this cess to care, meeting basic needs, pro-
safe, healthy, and long lives,” said turning to a pre-COVID pandemic data proves we are on the right track moting healthy living, and combatting
New York City Mayor Eric Adams. high in 2019. This is a huge milestone to building a healthier New York City the damaging commercial influences
“During the pandemic, life expectan- and a testament to what happens for everyone.” that can worsen New Yorkers’ health.
cy in New York City dropped sharp- when you invest in public health,” HealthyNYC is supported by Lo- DOHMH protects and pro-
ly to just 78 years in 2020, and when said New York City Department of cal Law 0093-2024, which ensures that motes the health of 8.5 million New
our administration came into office, Health and Mental Hygiene Acting HealthyNYC is a permanent feature Yorkers. With more than 220 years
we were determined to do something Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. of civic planning in New York City, of leadership in public health, the
about it. Through our signature pro- “While this is exciting news, it is also with the HealthyNYC life expectan- agency’s work ranges from inspection
gram, HealthyNYC, we’re already a call to action. Citywide racial inequi- cy agenda required to be reported on grades of dining establishments to
seeing progress. A longer lifespan ties persist, and centuries of structural and updated every five years. The Ad- supporting low- to no-cost communi-
means more time with friends, family, racism have led to Black New Yorkers ams administration recently celebrat- ty health clinics.
and loved ones, and this work is criti- having the shortest life expectancy of ed passage of the legislation. DOHMH also works behind the
cal to making New York City the best all groups, even in 2023. Racial equity DOHMH has strategically scenes with disease detectives, investi-
place to raise a family.” must remain central to our efforts for placed Neighborhood Health Action gating suspicious clusters of illness as
“Overall, these numbers are a healthier New York City.” Centers in the parts of the city that well as studying the patterns, causes
encouraging and we will continue “This encouraging increase in have experienced the greatest disin- and effects of health and disease con-
to drive forward our HealthyNYC life expectancy shows what’s possible vestment and most disparate health ditions in New York City neighbor-
goals,” said Deputy Mayor for when we invest in public health and outcomes, such as the highest rate of hoods, which shape policy decisions
Health and Human Services Suzanne focus on equity,” said Council Mem- premature mortality. and the city’s health agenda.

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