Immigrant Health in NYC

One out of every three New York City residents was born abroad and about 50% of NYC workers are immigrants, making New York one of the most diverse and international cities in the world. As a result, NYC's health is increasingly characterized by the health of the foreign-born.

Private funding through the Fund for Public Health in New York (FPHNY) allowed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to research, analyze and publish "The Health of Immigrants in New York City," a comprehensive report on the health of foreign-born adults in New York issued in June 2006. Key findings of the report include the fact that when adult immigrants arrive in the country, they are often healthier than U.S.-born adults. However, new immigrants often face different challenges such as language and cultural barriers that prevent them from accessing timely and regular health care. Only 69% of foreign-born adults under 65 have a regular primary care provider, compared to 80% of U.S.-born adults. Immigrant adults are less likely than U.S.-born adults to use preventive care services. Only 52% of Spanish-speaking immigrants having a primary care provider, and they are twice as likely to report being unable to obtain medical care when needed. These challenges are particularly significant for foreign-born adults who don't speak English.

To help reduce the disparities in health experienced by immigrant New Yorkers the DOHMH has established District Public Health offices in several areas with high concentrations of immigrants. The DOHMH is also partnering with other governmental and nonprofit organizations, such as the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and the New York Immigrant Coalition, to provide information, counseling, and direct services to help immigrants maintain or improve their health status.

Click here to download a copy of the NYC Immigrant Health report.