As New York City’s LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month, the NYC Health Department is participating in a series of events citywide to promote mental, physical and sexual health.
Throughout June, the department will distribute free safe sex products and provide health education materials at Pride-related events across the five boroughs.
The city’s Pride outreach began on June 1 at Queens Pride in Jackson Heights, a neighborhood long recognized for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and grassroots activism. The event served as the launch point for a month-long public health initiative focused on supporting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
Upcoming stops on the department’s outreach calendar include Brooklyn Pride (June 14), Folsom Street East (June 15), Bronx Pride (June 21), National HIV Testing Day in Union Square (June 24), Harlem Pride (June 28), and PrideFest (June 29). The Health Department will also march in this year’s NYC Pride March on June 29.
To help Pride-goers stay safe and healthy, the department is offering a range of wellness guidance, addressing everything from mental health support to infectious disease prevention.
Among the department’s key recommendations is the importance of spending time with supportive friends and family, which can contribute to improved mental health outcomes.
Those feeling unwell are urged to stay home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses and other illnesses. Handwashing, wearing high-quality masks, and using hand sanitizer are also encouraged to reduce the risk of infection.
In terms of sexual health, the department emphasizes preventive strategies such as condoms, PrEP, and emergency PEP to prevent HIV, HIV treatment, and doxy PEP to prevent certain STIs. Additionally, regular testing for HIV and STIs, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, meningitis, and mpox is encouraged. Sexual and reproductive health services, including low-to-no-cost STI and STD testing, are available at the NYC Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics.
The department is also highlighting harm reduction strategies for individuals who may use alcohol or drugs during Pride festivities. Officials recommend creating a safety plan and being aware of the risks associated with certain substances.
Fentanyl, a potent opioid, is often found in drugs sold as heroin and can also be present in cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, has also appeared in the city’s drug supply. The Health Department encourages the use of fentanyl and xylazine test strips to reduce the risk of overdose.
Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause “overamping”—a set of dangerous symptoms that includes overheating, seizures, irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and psychosis. To minimize these risks, individuals are advised to stay hydrated and rest as needed.
NYC Health Department resources:
For more information about sexual health, harm reduction, or how to access services, visit nyc.gov/health.
