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New Orleans expands ‘AIR’ domestic-violence response after 2024 pilot reaches thousands
Summary
Health Department and Family Justice Center told the City Council the Advocate Initiated Response (AIR) program contacted more than 3,500 people in 2024, referred nearly 2,500 to services and is building high‑risk and strangulation protocols; council members urged larger budget support.
The New Orleans Health Department on Tuesday reported that its Advocate Initiated Response (AIR) program reached more than 3,500 people in 2024 and referred roughly 2,500 to community services as part of an expanded early‑intervention strategy for domestic violence.
Jocelyn Pinkerton, the health department’s domestic‑violence and sexual‑assault program manager, told the City Council the AIR model pairs dedicated advocates with police incident reports so staff can follow up after a call—even when the initial event is a verbal disturbance rather than an arrest. ‘‘We wanted to reach out to everybody,’’ Pinkerton said, describing the program’s emphasis on early intervention to prevent escalation.
Jennifer Hunt, a domestic‑violence project specialist with the health department, presented outcome metrics from the program’s 2024 citywide expansion: advocates successfully contacted 45% of individuals when police reports included contact information, and 68% of contacted people accepted one or more referrals. Hunt said only 2% of successfully reached people declined assistance. The department also funds therapists, civil‑legal help through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and a small direct client support pool for emergency housing, transportation and other needs.
Family Justice Center staff and NOPD representatives outlined operational changes prompted by the AIR data. Kevin Williams said advocates flagged repeat offenders and case patterns that allowed a new high‑risk protocol to coordinate arrests, DA review, and advocacy. Sergeant Tyra Pruitt described how weekly offender lists and callback work have helped NOPD’s specialized units pursue individuals with multiple incidents.
Presenters highlighted a recent clinic to screen for strangulation — a documented high‑risk indicator — and said 65 people had completed a professional strangulation assessment since the assessment rollout began about two to three months ago. Advocates said early medical assessment not only helps victims obtain needed care, it preserves evidence for potential criminal cases.
Council members praised the program’s data focus and urged an increased budget. Council Member Jeruso and others thanked advocates for direct outreach; Council Member Green said the AIR data allow the city to intervene before incidents become fatal. Council Member Harris noted that the program’s $30,000 line in the current budget is insufficient to meet the demand and asked the department to include a larger funding request in the next budget cycle.
The presenters said the program will continue building court‑based advocacy and stronger civil‑legal supports that help survivors secure protective orders or custody arrangements. The health department also said it is developing cross‑agency protocols that use AIR findings to prioritize cases with elevated lethality risk.
The council did not take a formal vote tied to program funding during the session; members asked staff to return with budget requests and additional implementation details for council consideration.
