Concerns regarding the health services in Portsmouth have been raised in light of a recent column claiming that Virginia’s health leaders are neglecting the city. The column, published on November 18, 2024, fails to recognize the ongoing efforts of the dedicated staff at the Portsmouth Health District. The challenges facing the district are attributed to structural instability, workforce shortages, and frequent leadership changes rather than political negligence or funding cuts.
Over the past decade, the Portsmouth Health District has experienced a significant turnover in leadership, with eight different district directors leading the area. This high turnover rate highlights difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates, which stem from the complexity of the role and competition from the private sector. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is actively working to support the district in its recruitment efforts for a new director. An acting district director is currently assessing the district’s needs and collaborating with leadership and VDH’s central office to identify the essential qualities required for a new permanent director.
Staffing Challenges and Ongoing Support
The staffing situation in the Portsmouth Health District is concerning. Between July 1, 2024, and November 1, 2025, the district faced vacancy rates ranging from 24% to 38%, marking some of the highest rates among VDH’s local health districts. During this time, contract workers constituted 45% of the district’s total staff of 74. Critical roles in clinical, nursing, and administrative capacities remain unfilled, primarily due to statewide public health staffing shortages.
Feedback from employees within the district points to several internal issues, including unclear role definitions and communication barriers. To address these challenges, VDH has assigned dedicated personnel, including a medical officer for clinical operations and another for infectious disease specialization. Additionally, a human resources business partner has been brought in to enhance the overall functionality of clinical services.
Despite these staffing challenges, VDH assures that crucial health programs, such as services for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, maternal-child health, and harm reduction, continue to operate without interruption. Any disruptions in service delivery are attributed to workforce vacancies rather than political or funding decisions. The commitment to these services remains strong, with Portsmouth actively participating in the Perinatal Health Hub Pilot Program.
Financial Support and Future Plans
In November 2024, the Portsmouth Health District received $200,000 in funding to recruit community health workers aimed at addressing maternal mortality. As of October 2024, two community health workers have already been hired, and additional funding for the fiscal year (FY 2026) is set to ensure the continuity of this initiative.
Assertions suggesting disproportionate resource allocation, implying that wealthier districts receive preferential treatment, have been deemed inaccurate. Over the past three fiscal years, Portsmouth has underspent its state general fund allocation by an average of $204,000 annually. This underspending does not reflect a lack of intent but rather the challenges of utilizing funds effectively when critical positions remain vacant.
State funding for Portsmouth has increased by approximately 16% from FY 2020 to the planned FY 2027, while the required local contribution has been decreased accordingly. VDH’s commitment to health equity and evidence-based public health initiatives remains unwavering, as they strive to support high-need communities like Portsmouth.
Dr. Susan Fischer Davis, who has served as the chief deputy commissioner for Community Health Services at VDH since January 2024, emphasized the ongoing dedication to stabilizing leadership and rebuilding capacity within the district. The goal is to ensure Portsmouth has the necessary stability, talent, and infrastructure to fulfill public health obligations for all residents.
The narrative of abandonment concerning the Portsmouth Health District is misleading and detracts from the real challenges faced in providing effective public health services. VDH and district leadership are fully committed to overcoming these obstacles and fostering trust, enhancing collaboration, and refining internal processes to improve health outcomes in the community.
