Healthy Resources

At Healthfirst, we’re dedicated to providing our members with the care they deserve. That’s why we’re focused on giving you the tools you need to deliver the highest quality service.

Asthma & Allergies

Asthma Condition Management

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Asthma and Teens
Breathe Easy with Asthma
Don’t Let Asthma Knock the Wind Out of Your Child
Environmental Asthma Triggers

Peak Flow Meters

How to Use a Peak Flow Meter
Peak Flow Meters and Logs

Asthma Medication Management

Allergies

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
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Behavioral Health

Healthfirst Behavioral Health Services – New Appointment Wait Times (starting July 1, 2025)

The New York State has issued new rules about how quickly members should be able to get appointments for behavioral health services.

Appointment Wait Time Standards:

  • 10 business days for your first appointment at an outpatient clinic or facility
  • 10 business days for your first appointment with a provider not at an in-network outpatient clinic or facility
  • 7 calendar days for an appointment after a hospital discharge or ER visit

These wait times also apply to telehealth visits unless you ask for an in-person visit.

If You Can’t Get an Appointment in Time

If you can't find an in-network provider who can see you within the timeframes listed above, you can file an Access Complaint:

  • Call: Member Services at 1-866-463-6743
  • Mail:
    Appeals and Grievances Department Healthfirst,
    P.O. Box 5166
    New York, NY 10274-5166

Once we receive your complaint, we will take within three business days to:

  1. Find an in-network provider who can treat you,
  2. Make sure they can see you within the required time, and
  3. Ensure they're within a reasonable distance if you want an in-person visit.

If we can’t do this, you’ll be allowed to see an out-of-network provider at your in-network benefit level.

Mental Health

988 Lifeline
Healing NYC
Mental Health First Aid
National Institute of Mental Health
New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene

NYC Well Confidential and free hotline. 24/7. 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)

English Español 中文
Psych Central

Substance Abuse

It’s Time to Live: HIV and Smoking
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)

Asthma Condition Management

It’s Time to Live: HIV and Smoking

Smoking Cessation

Quit Smoking (No Butts Allowed)
SmokeFree.gov
Smoking & Tobacco Use: How to Quit
Smoking: NYC Quits

Domestic Abuse

NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline number (1-800-942-6906). Free and confidential hotline 24/7
Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)

Community and Volunteer Opportunities

Families On The Move of New York City, Inc. (FOTM)
Families Together in New York State
National Alliance on Mental Illness (Local NAMI Chapter)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NYC)
The New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (NYAPRS)
Youth Power

Peer Training

Become a New York State Certified Peer Advocate
HIV Education & Training Programs
Peer Services
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Cancer

Staying Healthy

About Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
  • Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.
  • Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer
Pap and HPV Tests
Pap Tests (Smears) Save Lives. Get Checked for Cervical Cancer!
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
What is Skin Cancer?

Cancer

  • Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.

Colon Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
  • Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
What is Skin Cancer?

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Prevention
Pap and HPV Tests
Pap Tests (Smears) Save Lives. Get Checked for Cervical Cancer!
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Children's Health

ADHD

Parenting a Child with ADHD
Understanding ADHD: Information for Parents

Pediatric Dental Care

Brush up on healthy teeth: Simple Steps for Kids’ Smiles
Dental Care, Guide to a Healthy Smile
Fluoride Varnish
Oral Health Library

Lead Poisoning

Lead Poisoning
Lead Screening
Pregnancy and Lead Poisoning. Protect your baby from lead poisoning before he or she is born.
Should My Child Be Retested for Lead Exposure?
What Do Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children?

Immunizations

Immunizations (vaccines)
Immunizations and Developmental Milestones for Your Child from Birth Through 6 Years Old

Injury Prevention

Car Seats Safety
CDC Vital Signs – Child Injury
Injury Prevention & Safety
Safety & Prevention

Staying Healthy

Assessing Developmental Delays
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Concerned about Development? How to Talk with the Doctor
Dental Care, Guide to a Healthy Smile
Eat Healthy – Choose My Plate
Hearing Loss And Your Baby
Help Your Child Get a Great Start. Find out how NYC’s early intervention program can help your child reach important milestones.
How Pediatricians Screen for Autism
Immunizations and Developmental Milestones for Your Child from Birth Through 6 Years Old
Information on Milestones & Schedules for Parents with Infants & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Language Delays in Toddlers: Information for Parents
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
Newborn Hearing Screening FAQs
Newborn Screening: Hearing Screen (Infographic)
Take Good Care of Your Baby: What Everyone Can Do. Make your home safe for your baby.
Tip Sheet for Your Child’s Doctor Appointments
Well-Child Care Visit Schedule
  • Your Guide to Healthy Living: Children. Keep your child healthy as he or she grows.

Hearing Screening

Can Your Baby Hear You? Newborn Hearing Screening
Newborn Hearing Screening FAQs
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Dental Care

Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric Dental Care
Dental Care, Guide to a Healthy Smile
Fluoride Varnish
Oral Health Library

Staying Healthy

Dental Care, Guide to a Healthy Smile

Prenatal Care

  • Oral Health Matters. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy

Adult Care

Adult and Senior Oral Health
Adult Oral Health
Oral Health
Oral Health: Adults
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth
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Diabetes

Diabetes Condition Management Resources

Local Resources to support you in managing your condition

Clinical Diabetes Center
Weil Cornell Medicine
NYC Health + Hospital
NYC Health + Hospital Queens Diabetes Center of Excellence
Mount Sinia
Find A local Diabetes Education Program
Diabetes Management Workshops

Diabetes Medication Management

Tools and resources to support effective medication management

Diabetes Medication | ADA
What Are My Options for Type 2 Diabetes Medications? | ADA
Statins and Diabetes: What You Should Know | Diabetes | CDC

Diabetes Basics

Educational Resources for those with Diabetes

Living With Diabetes | ADA
Diabetes | Diabetes | CDC
CDC Diabetes Kickstart Video Series
ADA Nutrition Handouts and YouTube Videos (Has a Spanish Version)

Diabetes Education

Diabetes brochures, educational sites and videos

Diabetes Checkbook
  • Diabetes in Older People – A Disease You Can Manage
The ABCs of Diabetes
Diabetes and Your Health | ADA
Diabetes Food Hub
Eye Health
Eye Health Resources | American Diabetes Association
Foot Health
Diabetes & Your Feet | American Diabetes Association
Diabetes Foot Care Tips | American Diabetes Association
Kidney Health
Keep Your Kidneys Healthy | American Diabetes Association
Heart Health
Heart and Diabetes | ADA
Mental Health
Mental Health and Diabetes | ADA
Oral Health
Oral Health and Diabetes | ADA

Prediabetes Sites

Resources to slow down the progression of diabetes

Prediabetes (ny.gov)
Do I Have Prediabetes? | DoIHavePrediabetes.org
Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes | CDC
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Maternal Health

Postnatal Care

Baby Blues After Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Positions: See what works best for you. Get tips on how to breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Bureau of Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health. Learn about programs and activities for you and your baby.
Caring for Your Body
  • How long should you wait before getting pregnant again?
Info and Services for Pregnancy and Baby Care. Free resources, health services and clinics to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
La Leche League of New York
Long-Acting-Reversible-Contraception (LARC): FAQ – Long Acting Reversible Contraception: IUD and Implant
March of Dimes: Feeding Your Baby. Find out if breastfeeding is right for you.
NYSDOH Breastfeeding Promotion Program
Parenting
Perinatal Depression
Postpartum Care
Postpartum Depression
Prenatal & Breastfeeding Support
Smoking Cessation and Pregnancy Campaign
WIC Program (Women, Infants, Children). WIC offers support and education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, and children up to age five. Find out more about WIC.
Your Baby’s Vaccinations
Your Postpartum Checkups

Prenatal Care

Are you at risk of preterm birth?
Bureau of Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health. Learn about programs and activities for you and your baby.
Child Care
Find a Pediatrician
Healthy Pregnancy Fact Sheet: Get tips for a healthy pregnancy and birth
Info and Services for Pregnancy and Baby Care. Free resources, health services and clinics to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Know your rights; NYC standards for respectful care at birth
Labor & Birth
  • Oral Health Matters. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy
Pregnancy Resources
Prenatal & Breastfeeding Support
Prenatal Care
Preterm Labor
Ultrasound During Pregnancy
Vaccinations and Pregnancy
WIC Program (Women, Infants, Children). WIC offers support and education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, and children up to age five. Find out more about WIC.
Your Birth Plan

Staying Healthy

Folic Acid
Healthy Choices for Pregnancy
Healthy Pregnancy Checklist
Nutrition, Weight & Fitness
  • Oral Health Matters. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy
Planning for a Baby
Vitamins & Other Nutrients
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Men's Health

Staying Healthy

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
  • Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.
Eat Healthy – Choose My Plate
  • Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
What is Skin Cancer?

Cancer

  • Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.

Colon Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
  • Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer?
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Sexually Transmitted Infections

HIV | AIDs

AIDS Institute
Care Management Materials and Links
Hospital: Designation Centers
Ending the HIV Epidemic
HIV Basics
HIV Care Linkage Retention and Treatment
Living with HIV/AIDS
HIV Testing Fact Sheet
HIV Training and Clinical Resources
HIV/AIDS Basics & Other Resources
Identification and HIV Testing
Staying Healthy for Life
Oral Health Guide for Adults with HIV
Oral Health Guide for Caregivers of Children with HIV
Sexual Health Clinics
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines
STD & HIV Facts Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Talking with Young People about HIV & AIDS

Staying Healthy

Are you at Risk of Hepatitis C
Get Tested for Hepatitis C
Sexual Health Clinics
STD & HIV Facts Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Hepatitis

Who's at Risk for Hepatitis C
Get Tested for Hepatitis C
Find Testing & Care - Hep Free NYC using patient hepatitis site locator resource
Hepatitis C
Perinatal Hepatitis B
Protect our Baby for Life. When a Pregnant Woman Has Hepatitis B
Sexual Health Clinics
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines
STD & HIV Facts Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia

Chlamydia
Sexual Health Clinics
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines
STD & HIV Facts Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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