Alumna tasked with improving city’s health

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has appointed Tulane University alumna Marsha Broussard as the new director of the New Orleans Health Department. The goal is to have healthy living play a larger role in the city’s culture by implementing new community wellness objectives and building upon already effective local programs, like the Fit NOLA initiative.

“The New Orleans Health Department's mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all where we live, learn, work and play,” said Broussard.

Formerly the program director for the Louisiana Public Health Institute, Broussard officially began her new position in December 2016.

“The New Orleans Health Department's mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all where we live, learn, work and play.”

— Marsha Broussard, director of the New Orleans Health Department

The Louisiana native received a doctorate from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2011.

“I felt strongly that attaining my doctorate would improve my public health practice. My experience was challenging but rewarding. It has made me a better, more effective professional and has certainly helped to prepare me for the position of health director,” she said.

“As health director, one of my responsibilities is to monitor the health status of our residents.  Since we define health quite broadly, I also have the responsibility to coordinate with other city departments such as housing, transportation, sanitation, public safety and community development to ensure that these sectors incorporate and embrace public health into their mission and activities,” she said.

Broussard also plans to develop significant partnerships with nonprofit organizations, business leaders and health providers.

“There are several health priorities on my radar that are equally important to Mayor Landrieu,” she added.

Broussard listed reducing community violence, eliminating health barriers preventing the academic success of students, increasing local opportunities for recreation and physical activity and enrolling uninsured residents eligible for affordable healthcare coverage among those crucial objectives.

“It’s my job to continue to refine these strategies and identify a clear plan moving forward,” said Broussard.