Population Health and Disease Prevention

The Population Health and Disease Prevention Division aims to create systems, environments, and policies that promote the health of New Orleanians. We work to reduce the factors that contribute to chronic health problems and advance innovative, high impact strategies that improve health and well-being.

Our Focus

Our team works to develop and implement population-based interventions, including actions to address a wide range of social and economic determinants of health. These determinants of health include access to healthy food, transportation safety, medical debt, and workplace policies that support health. We also have a strong focus on system and policy changes that prevent chronic diseases by improving the environments in which New Orleanians live, work, eat, and play. We collaborate with a wide range of partners, including other governmental agencies, elected officials, community-based partners and universities to achieve our goals.

Our Work

The Population Health and Disease Prevention Division currently focused on the following areas:

  • Chronic Disease Prevention & Policy
  • Food Access
  • Sexual & Reproductive Health 
  • Injury Prevention & Transportation Safety
  • Supportive Work Environments
  • Medical Debt Elimination

Jeanie Donovan
Deputy Director of Population Health & Disease Prevention

(504) 658-2562 Email Jeanie Donovan

Population Health and Disease Prevention
Latest News

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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April 23, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ordinance

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), in collaboration with the NOLA Smoke-Free Coalition partners, proudly announces the 10th anniversary of the New Orleans Smoke-Free Air Act (SFAA), a landmark public health policy that has protected residents, workers, and visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke since its passage in 2015.

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