NYC Health Department Plans Consultant Hiring Amid Threats
The New York City Department of Health is quietly looking to bring in outside consultants to create guidelines aimed at safeguarding its leaders, who have faced increasing threats since the pandemic. However, some critics argue that the Department’s response has been more than excessive.
Recently, the Department started inviting proposals from vendors with the goal of developing strategies to “prevent safety risks and proactively protect employees” both in physical settings and online.
As part of this initiative, up to 75 staff members—including mentors, researchers, and data analysts—will undergo “personal safety training.” This training aims to equip them with skills to “protect themselves” during public meetings and other field activities. The solicitation for proposals indicates a focus on addressing harassment and safeguarding personal information.
Included in the training are modules on “de-escalation,” intended to help staff manage tense or confrontational situations safely and confidently.
The Department emphasized in a letter released on September 19 that public health workers have faced intimidation and threats, largely fueled by misinformation and the politicization of health issues since the COVID-19 outbreak. They argue that such threats can lead to serious consequences for the workforce, affecting mental health, increasing burnout, and raising turnover rates.
While the Department hasn’t disclosed the anticipated cost to taxpayers for this new contract, some skeptics doubt its necessity, questioning if the criticism directed at the agency is, in fact, self-inflicted.
Diane Pagan, a former social worker with the Department of Education who lost her job for not complying with the city’s vaccination mandate, expressed astonishment at the planned hiring. She stated, “The Department of Health has told many falsehoods, and it should take a knee to apologize, reinstate, and compensate New Yorkers harmed by its false statements.” She criticized the Department for spending resources to protect themselves rather than addressing the concerns of the public.
In her view, this approach feels misguided amid a backdrop of misinformation surrounding the pandemic. She mentioned the case of Jay Varma, the previous coronavirus czar who, during the pandemic, was caught on hidden camera bragging about drug-fueled parties while urging compliance with health guidelines.
Moreover, Varma had controversially suggested that natural immunity was as effective as vaccination, even as he promoted the latter. In February 2023, Mayor Eric Adams rescinded the vaccination requirement for city employees.
Council Minority Leader Joan Arriola commented on the lingering resentment from those who lost work over noncompliance with vaccine mandates. She highlighted the need for officials to focus on rebuilding trust rather than shielding themselves from criticism.
City Councilman Frank Morano went further, suggesting addressing the root problems instead of just ramping up security measures, advocating for accountability in the Department’s handling of the pandemic.
The New York City Public Health Fund, the Department’s fundraising arm, is managing the contractor selection process, with submissions from potential applicants due last Friday. They aim to have a decision made by the end of this month.
The Health Department has not provided specifics regarding which officials will receive training or details about the nature of the harassment experienced. Instead, they stated that “strong digital and physical security and training are essential to protect them from the increased risk of harassment.” They stressed a commitment to enhancing digital literacy and safety practices for their staff.
