Local health department transformation- advancing the new public health

In 2011, 60% of the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) budget funded struggling primary care clinics. The department lacked basic policies and procedures, programs operated in isolation, and though all City organizations were facing cuts, the possibility of disbanding the Health Department was under consideration.

Expending extensive resources on primary care inhibited the department from performing the primary public health functions of assessment, assurance, and policy development. Department leadership set a vision to transform into a 21st century model for the nation, capable of addressing the serious population health challenges of modern New Orleans. NOHD executed an ambitious transformation plan, transitioning out of primary care and using the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation standards as a framework to build organizational capacity and provide excellent public health services.

From 2011 to 2012, NOHD staff dropped from 137 to 75 and the budget shrank over 30%. However, with a focus on quality and performance improvement and a commitment to rethinking public health, the Department has made remarkable advancement for sustainable health improvement.

Given a limited general fund budget for programs or operations, NOHD has established itself as a convener, working with diverse partners to facilitate, link, and leverage resources for improved health outcomes. In this role, NOHD facilitates partnership initiatives to assure access to care, prevent violence, promote healthy lifestyles, enrich family health, and enhance the local public health system through community collaboration and engagement. Internally, NOHD has established performance management, workforce development, and other elements of administrative infrastructure to deliver the highest quality service.