July 1, 2025 | From City of New Orleans
New Report from New Orleans Health Department Calls for Urgent Investment in the Health of Hospitality Workers
The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has released a new report titled Keeping Hospitality Healthy, a comprehensive analysis of the health challenges facing the city’s hospitality workforce. The report identifies the obstacles this population currently faces and outlines the strategic actions needed to improve health outcomes for hospitality workers in the city—many of whom are the backbone of New Orleans’ thriving tourism economy.
Despite their vital role in supporting the city's success, the report reveals that these workers often experience significant barriers to care. Low wages, lack of insurance, inflexible schedules, language barriers, and limited transportation options make it difficult for many to access even basic health services.
Key findings from the report include:
- Low Wages and High Costs: More than half of Louisiana’s hospitality workers live in households earning below the ALICE threshold—meaning they earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but too little to afford basic needs like healthcare.
- Lack of Health Coverage: Only 32% of restaurant workers nationwide have employer-sponsored insurance. Locally, one in three hospitality workers surveyed reported being uninsured, mostly due to cost.
- Poor Health Outcomes: Hospitality workers face higher rates of physical injuries, mental health struggles, and substance use disorders compared to workers in other industries.
- Barriers to Access: Workers cite paid sick leave, unpredictable hours, language access, and transportation as key obstacles to receiving care.
“Our hospitality workers are the beating heart of New Orleans,” said Jeanie Donovan, Deputy Director of the New Orleans Health Department. “They help define who we are as a city—and yet far too many of them live without the health care and support they deserve. This report lays out the challenges these workers face and offers real solutions.”
“As a native New Orleanian and hospitality industry veteran, I’ve experienced firsthand how lack of access to healthcare and other basic needs can impact health and quality of life. Through advocacy and outreach, I learned that my story is shared by many in the service industry,” said Victor Pizarro, the 504HN Outreach Manager and Healthcare Advocate. “With Healthy Hospitality, we've helped connect workers to critical health and social resources, and with more support, we can go even further.
The report also highlights innovative local efforts that are already making a difference. In 2024, the New Orleans Health Department partnered with 504HealthNet to launch a series of pop-up clinics at the St. Claude Healing Center, offering low- or no-cost services tailored specifically for hospitality workers. These clinics provided health information and care to more than 125 individuals, enrolled dozens in Medicaid, and delivered critical services such as STI testing, vaccinations, and access to primary care.
Building on the success of this initiative, the report calls for expanding mobile and pop-up clinics to reach workers where they live and work. It also recommends increased coordination between city departments, hospitality businesses, and community-based health organizations to more effectively educate employees and employers about health care options.
NOHD further urges increased investment in community health organizations already serving this population, as well as the adoption of policies that support healthier workplaces—such as paid leave and expanded access to health insurance for hospitality workers.
The release of this report comes in the wake of major events like Super Bowl LIX, which drew more than 115,000 visitors to New Orleans and generated $1.25 billion in state revenue. As the city continues to reap the economic benefits of large-scale tourism, the report emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the workers who make these events possible are protected, healthy, and supported by the city and state.
For additional information about the report, please contact Daisy Ellis at Daisy.Ellis@nola.gov. And don't forget to visit our homepage at nola.gov/health to read about all the things the New Orleans Health Department is doing to improve public health.
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New Orleans Health Department Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health of all in our community through equitable policies, programs, and partnerships.