Statement From State Health Commissioner Dr. James Mcdonald On Juneteenth

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 18, 2024) - "It is important we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth but also acknowledge the injustices and socioeconomic disadvantages that generations of Americans, descended from enslaved people, have endured and continue to face. The New York State Department of Health is committed to addressing systemic racism, eliminating barriers to improving health outcomes for Black New Yorkers and communities of color, and continuing to advocate for health equity.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865, after enslaved people in Texas were declared free under the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

Sadly, inequalities still remain throughout our society, including in public health. Systemic racism has played a role in inequitable health outcomes and lack of quality care that has impacted Black and Brown people. Preventable conditions such as maternal mortality, heart disease, and diabetes continue to disproportionally impact the Black community and other communities of color.

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, the State Health Department will continue working to improve access to quality care for all New Yorkers and eliminate health disparities that continue to plague communities in this state.

Each day we acknowledge the adversity and discrimination communities of color continue to face and yet overcome. As public servants, we must advocate to put an end to the health disparities, inequities, injustices, and systemic racism that communities of color experience and must push through each day. It is up to us to keep fighting for health equality for everyone despite their race or color of their skin."