City Presents Community Health Improvement Plan

At their meeting on November 18, 2024, the Portsmouth City Council voted to accept the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) presented by the City’s Health Department. The Plan suggests priorities and response strategies specific to the health and wellness needs of people who live and work in Greater Portsmouth. The recommendations are the result of findings from the Community Health Profile compiled last year and a Community Health Needs Assessment that took the form of interviews and focus group conversations with human services agencies that serve the Seacoast. Together, these elements describe Portsmouth's most vulnerable populations and the impacts they and local agencies have faced, especially due to the pandemic.

The CHIP identifies vulnerable groups including low-income veterans, people with disabilities, elderly or homebound seniors, children and youth, the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC and other minorities, and those with mental health needs. In-depth discussions highlighted six shared challenges that affect the quality of their lives: healthy environments, housing, transportation, food insecurity, mental health and social isolation, and substance misuse. The Plan provides recommendations for each area.

In presenting the Plan, Director of Public Health Kim McNamara noted, “This plan helps us understand the community's current demographics and the needs of vulnerable populations left in the wake of the pandemic. It guides the City and staff in supporting health and wellness as we implement various initiatives like housing, open space protection, conservation, the Citywide Master Plan, and the Climate Action Plan. The time to build resiliency, equity, fairness, and inclusivity into our community is before the next disaster.”

The Community Health Improvement Plan is available as a PDF with dynamic links to more information at portsnh.co/CHIP. Hard copies will be available for public review at Portsmouth Public Library, City Hall, and other City facilities.