News

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).

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. 

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.

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.

February 12, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Releases 2024 STI Report, Highlighting Urgent Need for Expanded Testing and Prevention Efforts

New Orleans–The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has released its 2024 STI Report, providing the latest data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the city. The report, based on 2018-2023 data from the Louisiana Department of Health, highlights alarming trends, including a chlamydia incidence rate that exceeds both state and national averages and a sharp increase in new HIV cases among 15–19-year-olds.

January 31, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Notice of Funding Availability: Swimming Pool Safety Intervention

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is seeking highly qualified organizations to deliver programs and services that improve pool safety by providing free or reduced rates swimming lessons and pool safety education for New Orleans residents. NOHD seeks organizations with an established history of providing swimming lessons and providing water safety education to community members.