Concerns about the effectiveness of the Portsmouth Health District have been raised following a recent column claiming that Virginia’s health leaders are neglecting the area. In response, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) emphasized that the challenges faced by the Portsmouth Health District stem from structural instability, workforce shortages, and frequent leadership changes, not from political neglect or budget cuts.
The Portsmouth Health District has experienced significant leadership turnover, with eight different district directors in the past decade. This high turnover reflects the challenges of attracting qualified candidates for such complex roles. The VDH is currently providing substantial support as the district seeks to recruit a new permanent director. An acting director is already assessing the district’s needs and collaborating with local leadership and VDH central office teams to identify the necessary skills and qualities for the new role.
Vacancy rates within the Portsmouth Health District have been troubling, with statistics indicating that between July 1, 2024, and November 1, 2025, the district faced staff vacancies ranging from 24% to 38%. This rate is among the highest within VDH’s local health districts. During this same timeframe, contract workers made up 45% of the district’s total staff of 74. The district continues to grapple with significant vacancies in critical clinical, nursing, and administrative positions due to statewide public health staffing shortages.
Feedback from employees highlights several operational issues, including unclear role definitions, communication barriers, and unmet leadership expectations. To address these concerns, VDH has assigned a dedicated medical officer for clinical operations, a specialist in infectious diseases, and a human resources business partner to enhance the district’s clinical services.
Despite the staffing challenges, VDH assures the community that essential services, such as HIV and STI prevention, maternal-child health, and harm reduction programs, remain operational. Any disruptions in service delivery are attributed to workforce vacancies rather than political decisions or funding issues. VDH is committed to prioritizing these critical services.
Portsmouth has also participated actively in the Perinatal Health Hub Pilot Program. In November 2024, the district received a grant of $200,000 to recruit community health workers aimed at addressing maternal mortality, and as of October, two community health workers have been successfully hired. Funding for fiscal year 2026 is secured to ensure the continuity of these efforts.
Accusations suggesting that wealthier districts receive preferential treatment are unfounded. Over the past three fiscal years, Portsmouth has underspent its state general fund allocation by an average of $204,000 annually. This underspending is not due to a lack of effort but is largely a result of unfilled critical positions hindering the effective allocation of resources. Meanwhile, state funding for Portsmouth has increased by approximately 16% from fiscal year 2020 to the planned fiscal year 2027.
VDH remains dedicated to promoting health equity and providing meaningful support to high-need communities like Portsmouth. The overarching goal is to stabilize leadership, rebuild capacity, and enhance continuity within the district. VDH is committed to recruiting a permanent district director, qualified nurses, and other essential clinical staff to support this mission.
Dr. Susan Fischer Davis, who has served as chief deputy commissioner for Community Health Services at the Virginia Department of Health since January 2024, highlighted that VDH is fully engaged in addressing the challenges faced by the Portsmouth Health District. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and improving collaboration to ensure effective public health services for all residents.
The narrative suggesting abandonment of the Portsmouth Health District misrepresents the situation, undermines trust, and distracts from the real challenges affecting public health in the area. VDH and local leadership are committed to ensuring that Portsmouth has the stability, talent, and infrastructure needed to fulfill the promise of public health for its residents.
