New Orleans health report highlights gains in overdose prevention, chronic disease

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CityBusiness staff reports//July 30, 2026//

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Report details results from New Orleans‘ 2022-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan.
Overdose deaths fell 43% following expanded naloxone training and distribution efforts.
Heart disease and diabetes mortality rates declined during the three-year initiative.
More than 100 organizations and 200 partners implemented over 80 community health strategies.

The New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services has released a report detailing progress made under its 2022-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan, citing improvements in overdose prevention, chronic disease outcomes, maternal health and access to care through a broad coalition of public and private partners

The three-year impact report outlines the results of a citywide initiative that brought together more than 100 community organizations and more than 200 partners to implement over 80 health improvement strategies. The effort focused on expanding healthcare access, strengthening behavioral health services, improving public safety, addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier housing

According to the department, participating organizations distributed more than 12 million pounds of nutritious food to New Orleans families during the initiative. Partners also trained 9,488 residents in naloxone education, conducted more than 500 overdose response training sessions and distributed more than 28,000 doses of naloxone

The department said those efforts contributed to a 43% decline in accidental overdose deaths over the past four years

The report also found improvements in several chronic disease indicators. Heart disease mortality declined from 445.9 deaths per 100,000 residents to 390 per 100,000, while diabetes mortality fell from 107 deaths per 100,000 residents to 84 per 100,000 during the reporting period

Maternal and infant health initiatives also expanded. The department said the plan helped establish the Louisiana Doula Registry, trained 19 new doulas and launched universal postpartum home visits for New Orleans births. It also reported that the number of infants exclusively breastfed through six months at New Orleans Health Department WIC clinics increased by more than 380% between 2022 and 2025

Additional gains included higher flu vaccination rates and reductions in traffic fatalities and violent injuries, according to the report

Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Dr. Jennifer Avegno said the findings underscore the importance of addressing health beyond traditional medical care

“Good health begins long before someone walks into a doctor’s office,” Avegno said. “It starts in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and homes. This report demonstrates what can be achieved when an entire community works together.”

Despite the reported progress, department officials said significant challenges remain, including obesity, cancer, infant mortality, food insecurity and housing conditions. The report notes that disparities tied to income, neighborhood and access to essential re

Deputy Director for Community Engagement, Performance and Equity Dr. Flint Mitchell said the next phase of work will require continued collaboration across sectors

“Everyone involved in the last CHIP should be proud of the progress we’ve made—but our work is far from finished,” Mitchell said. “We must keep our proverbial foot on the gas until everyone understands that quality education for children of all ages, economic opportunity for the entire workforce, civic engagement through voting and community organizing, and many other social and economic factors are just as important to health as seeing a doctor regularly.”

The report comes as the city completes its 2026 Community Health Assessment, which will help shape the next five-year Community Health Improvement Plan. Officials said the assessment will guide future public health policies, investments and partnerships aimed at improving health outcomes for New Orleans residents

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