Our 5-year plan is designed to look forward, to understand and plan for ways to strengthen our workforce and add value, to address the complex public health problems of our city. Together, with our community, partners and area counterparts, we will build on the successes and lessons learned from years past to achieve better health and wellbeing for all people in Norfolk for years to come.
Norfolk Department of Public Health Mandated Services
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is mandated by federal law, state law, contract, or inter-agency agreement to offer services through local health departments. In Norfolk, our Local Government Agreement outlines basic public health services to be assured by the Norfolk Department of Public Health.
A selection of these is listed below. During the period 2024 – 2029 the NDPH will continue to invest in the quality and scope of these mandated services.
Strategic Investments
Strategic investments for the period 2024 – 2029 represent specific actions that drive results within our areas of impact. While mandated services must remain strong, strategic investments will be high priority for NDPH leadership, requiring additional time and resources, as we strive to improve health outcomes in Norfolk. We will hold ourselves accountable by tracking progress with targets and milestones.
2029 TARGET HEALTH OUTCOMES
BLACK-WHITE INFANT MORTALITY DISPARITY RATIO
By 2029, reduce the Black-White infant mortality disparity ratio from the baseline of 2.99 to 1.0.
FOOD INSECURITY
Through 2029, maintain WIC coverage per eligible population above the state and national averages for pregnant women, infants and children.
FIREARM DEATHS
By 2029, reduce firearm-related death rate from the baseline of 24.7 (2018-2022) deaths per 100,000 people to below the Healthy People 2030 target of 11.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
OVERDOSE DEATHS
By 2029, reduce the rate of drug overdose deaths from the baseline of 42.4 (2023) deaths per 100,000 people to below the Healthy People 2030 target of 20.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
MENTAL HEALTH
By 2029, the percentage of high school students who reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for 2 or more weeks will be decreased by 5% from the Eastern region baseline of 34.9%.
SYPHILIS INFECTION
By 2029, Norfolk syphilis rates are declining in all age groups and all demographics.