News & Announcements

January 28, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Awarded Mayors Alliance Action Fund to End Childhood Hunger Grant From Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign and Dollar Tree

The City of New Orleans announced today that it has been selected as an inaugural recipient of the Mayors Alliance Action Fund to End Childhood Hunger (Mayors Action Fund), a grant program of the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger. The initiative is supported by Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and Dollar Tree and brings together collective voices and resources to end childhood hunger and strengthen family economic mobility in communities across the country.

January 17, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Cold Weather Expected Overnight as City Monitors Conditions and Expands Shelter Access

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), in partnership with the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) and the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy (OHSS), is monitoring cold weather conditions overnight on Saturday, January 17, 2026.  During the early morning hours on Sunday, January 18, 2026, “feels like” temperatures are forecast to dip to near freezing for a few hours, with the potential for light rain or brief sleet.  

January 6, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Mardi Gras First Aid Stations Along Uptown and Endymion Routes

As New Orleans prepares for another unforgettable Mardi Gras season, the City of New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), in partnership with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), is proud to announce the return of Mardi Gras First Aid Stations along the traditional Uptown and Endymion parade routes. LCMC Health will once again serve as the sponsored partner this year, continuing a proven collaboration focused on protecting health and keeping residents and visitors safe during Carnival.

January 5, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department launches “Safe Rides, Big Easy Vibes,” a new initiative to reduce impaired driving among young adults

The New Orleans Health Department’s Injury Prevention and Transportation Safety team announces the launch of “Safe Rides, Big Easy Vibes,” a new citywide initiative focused on education and reducing driving under the influence (DUI) among 18–24-year-olds in New Orleans.

October 29, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

The City of New Orleans Health Department Partners with Undue Medical Debt to Eliminate Medical Debt for Eligible Low-Income Patients

New Orleans, LA. The City of New Orleans, together with its Health Department, New Orleans City Council, LCMC Health, and the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt (previously RIP Medical Debt), is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the city’s Medical Debt Relief initiative, which has helped ease the burden of medical debt for residents across Orleans Parish. 

October 16, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

The New Orleans Health Department Offers Five New Locations for SNAP Application Assistance

Today, the New Orleans Health Department is announcing its partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health as a Gold Level community partner. This designation allows NOHD to help residents and patients at our clinics with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Residents will also be able to receive assistance with simplified applications for the elderly (ESAP), cash assistance for low-income families with children (FITAP), and cash assistance for eligible children who reside with a relative who is not their parent (KCSP applications).

October 10, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Now Available and Easy to Access in the New Orleans Metro Area

New Orleans, LA (October 7, 2025) The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially approved flu vaccines for ages 6 months and up and yesterday expanded that approval to place the COVID-19 vaccinations on the recommended schedule for 2025-2026.  Older adults and those at risk should check their eligibility for RSV, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines.

September 30, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Health Department Commits to Preserving Health Access Amid Clinic Closure

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) acknowledges the significant impact that the September 30 closure of the New Orleans Planned Parenthood clinic will have on residents who have relied on the clinic for essential health care. Historically, Planned Parenthood’s services have been used by thousands of New Orleanians each year from all neighborhoods and walks of life.Between 2023 and 2024, there were more than 16,000 visits to Planned Parenthood in New Orleans, primarily for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment. These appointments also served as a critical point of connection to HIV prevention and care for individuals at higher risk or already living with HIV. The clinic provided 8,800 family planning visits, offering annual exams, birth control counseling, and a range of contraceptive options. Planned Parenthood providers have also played a pivotal role in cancer screening and prevention efforts through wellness exams.

September 22, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy

The following is a statement from Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy.

September 22, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

AAP Statement on White House Autism Announcement

The following is a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

“Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.