In 1992, the Mayor for the city of Portsmouth established a Health Services Advisory Committee, representing all major Portsmouth healthcare organizations, conducted studies that revealed both a shortage and maldistribution of primary care physicians able to provide primary care to an estimated 37,000 medically indigent Portsmouth residents.  Many of these individuals were gainfully employed, but did not have health insurance coverage.  As a result, a large number of uninsured residents, as well as those insured by Medicaid and Medicare, but unable to find a doctor, resorted to the inappropriate use of the city health department and the hospital emergency rooms for their primary care. 

Portsmouth Community Health Center, Inc. began operating as a federally qualified community health center on May 14, 1995 in Portsmouth, Virginia.  We started with two doctors, one family nurse practitioner and eleven clinical support and administrative staff.

It was in the year 2001; Portsmouth Community Health Center, Inc. expanded its services by starting a new facility in the city of Norfolk.  The Norfolk site is called Park Place Medical Center and it is located at the corner of 35th and Granby, directly across from the Norfolk City Zoo Park. 

Portsmouth Community Health Center, Inc. employs full and part time physicians, nurses and other clinical and non-clinical support staff, along with case managers and outreach and administration. 

In 2007, Portsmouth Community Health Center and Park Place Medical Center served over 8,995 medical and dental patients.  There were 17,288 patient visits during this year.  Over 22% of the patients were diagnosed with hypertension, 15% with diabetes and over 45% received well child examinations. 

Portsmouth Community Health Center, Inc. is your primary source for quality, affordable health care.  Our comprehensive primary medical and dental services are rendered by board certified providers.  Our services include, but are not limited to the following:

• Treatment for illnesses (both minor and chronic) i.e. diabetes, stroke, hypertension, diet and nutrition
• Women’s health services
• Family planning services
• Prenatal care and post partum visits
• Pediatric well baby, immunizations and school and sports physicals
• Adult and Children dental preventive and restorative care
• Medication Assistance for prescription drugs
• On site laboratory testing
• Case management and outreach services in homes and other community venues

Portsmouth Community Health Center, Inc. accepts all private insurances, Medicaid and Medicare.  Those without insurance pay according to a sliding fee scale based on the income in their household.