Tips From the NYC Health Department for a Happy and Safe New Year’s Eve - NYC Health

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Tips From the NYC Health Department for a Happy and Safe New Year’s Eve

If You’re Going to Celebrate the New Year, Protect Yourself and Others

Help Is Available At 988 For Anyone Who Needs Support

December 30, 2024 — Whether you plan to ring in the new year quietly at home or with thousands of revelers in Times Square, the New York City Health Department reminds New Yorkers to take good care of themselves and each other.

“Kick off 2025 on a healthy note!” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Have a ball and take precautions to stay safe. No matter how you ring in 2025, the Health Department has resources to help every New Yorker have a happy, safe, and healthy New Year!”

Choose your own safer New Year’s Eve adventure:

Avoid COVID-19, flu, and RSV by getting vaccinated. To find a vaccination site, visit NYC Vaccine Finder or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319). You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. If you feel sick, stay home.

If sex may be part of your New Year’s Eve, choose safer sex strategies that work for you, like condoms, PrEP and emergency PEP to prevent HIV, and doxy-PEP to prevent certain STIs. The Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics offer low and no-cost HIV and STI services to anyone ages 12 or older, regardless of immigration status. For more information visit nyc.gov/sexualhealth.

If alcohol is on your menu, decide ahead of time how much you plan to consume and how you plan to get home safely, if traveling. Eat dinner first and enjoy snacks throughout the evening. Pace yourself and drink non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. Check whether the medications you are taking may increase the effects of alcohol on your body. Use a designated driver, public transportation, or taxi.

If you plan to use drugs, avoid using alone. Create an overdose safety plan with someone who knows you are going to use and who could call 911 in case of an overdose or emergency. If you are going to use alone, call the “Never Use Alone” hotline at 1-877-696-1996 before using so someone can monitor your safety by phone. Start with a small amount and wait to see how you feel before taking more.

Avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs and alcohol. Using different drugs together, including alcohol, increases your risk of overdose.

Whether or not you use drugs, carry naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. If you are using drugs, leave naloxone out where others can find it. Naloxone is available at no cost from community-based programs and for purchase over the counter at pharmacies.

If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately.

Seeking support or treatment for alcohol or drug use issues? Find a provider by visiting the NYC HealthMap, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support's Treatment Availability Dashboard, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment locator, or by calling 1-866-287-2728.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, is experiencing a mental health crisis, or struggling with substance use, contact the 988 helpline. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 regardless of immigration or insurance status, in over 200 languages via call, text, or chat online at nyc.gov/988.

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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov