Building a Healthier New Orleans

Community Health Assessment

Every five years the New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services launches a comprehensive community health assessment to determine how NOHSS can best serve the City of New Orleans and its residents and work towards a healthier city. The assessment process includes community meetings, focus groups and resident feedback. More information on the assessment process and to previous assessment reports are available on our community health improvement webpage.

Future meetings for the community will be posted here, so check back for updates or subscribe to our events webpage.

We want to hear from you about improving community health

Part of the assessment process includes a survey for residents to take to share their insights about improving health in their communities. The survey will be open from March 3-May 31, 2026. For more information about the community health assessment or survey, contact Diana Ishee at (504) 658-2588.

Take the Community Health Survey

Our Community Approach

Health is shaped by where we live, learn, work, and play - not just by medical care alone. That's why the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) leads a citywide Community Health Improvement (CHI) initiative, bringing together healthcare providers, public health experts, and community stakeholders to create lasting health improvements for all residents.

Our Vision:

A safe, equitable New Orleans whose culture, institutions and environment supports health for all.

How We Assess Community Health: We evaluate our city's health through four key lenses:

Community Health Status - measuring residents' overall health
Public Health System Capacity - evaluating healthcare services and delivery
Community Strengths - identifying existing resources and quality of life
Forces of Change - analyzing current and future health impacts

Our Action Plan

Based on our 2019 Community Health Assessment, we've identified three priority areas:

Increasing Healthcare Access
Improving Economic Stability
Ensuring Community Safety

Through the Community Health Improvement Partnership, we develop data-driven strategies to address these priorities, with special attention to reducing health disparities. Our plan evolves continuously to meet changing community needs, ensuring that all New Orleanians have the opportunity to live healthy lives.

We work collaboratively with residents, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders to implement these improvements. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier New Orleans for everyone.

Reports

Below is a list of the most recent reports published by the New Orleans Health Department, reflecting the current iteration of the Community Health Improvement process. Publications include assessment reports, plans for health improvement, progress reports, and necessary updates.

New Orleans Community Health Assessment, 2019

NOHD is proud to release the 2019 New Orleans Community Health Assessment, which illustrates the state of health in our city and serves as the foundation for identifying priority areas for health improvement.

New Orleans Community Health Assessment, 2019

New Orleans Community Health Improvement Plan, 2022

The New Orleans Community Health Improvement Plan is the result of a long-term collaborative effort of Community Health Improvement Partnership. The CHIP will guide health improvement efforts from 2022 to 2025.

New Orleans Community Health Improvement Plan 2022-2025