NOHD MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

MISSION

To promote, protect, and improve the health of all in our community through equitable policies, programs, and partnerships.

VISION

Building a healthy and equitable New Orleans by supporting the well-being of everyone in the region.

Public Health Emergencies & Environmental Health Unit

Purpose

The City of New Orleans Health Department - Public Health Emergencies & Environmental Health Unit seeks to save lives and contribute to a healthier New Orleans by supporting disaster cycle management systems and championing environmental health initiatives.

Mission

Within the Public Health Emergencies & Environmental Health Unit:

The Public Health Emergencies (PHE) Team guides medical and public health preparedness for, public health response to, and aspects of recovery from disasters and public health emergencies in Orleans Parish. The PHE Team collaborates with city departments, state government, healthcare providers, community coalitions, and other regional partners to improve readiness and response capabilities.

The Environmental Health (EH) Team addresses relevant public health-related aspects of the natural and built environment. This can encompass assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health and focuses on preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. Environmental health concerns the team may address can include disaster response and recovery, climate change and its effects on health, the public health concerns of the unhoused and issues of substandard housing, outdoor air and indoor air quality including tobacco smoke, noise pollution control, and childhood lead poisoning prevention among others.