This comprehensive report, prepared by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in collaboration with the Orleans Parish PLACE MATTERS team, examines the deep-rooted health inequities in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. By analyzing a wide array of data, including socioeconomic status, educational attainment, racial composition, and crime rates, the study reveals dramatic disparities such as a 25‐year difference in life expectancy between zip codes and markedly higher mortality rates (e.g., heart disease, low birth weight) in impoverished areas. The report also reviews the enduring effects of historical residential segregation and the disruptive impacts of Hurricane Katrina on communities, highlighting the critical role of quality education and supportive policies in mitigating the risks of violence and poor health outcomes. Its targeted policy recommendations prioritize strategies to reduce exclusionary school discipline, expand reentry and educational programs for the formerly incarcerated, and bolster mental health support for youth—all aimed at transforming structural barriers and creating healthier, more equitable environments. (Read more)