Portsmouth City Health Department

Portsmouth City Health Department is Portsmouth's accredited municipal public health agency, serving our community for more than 35 years. We're a team of environmental health professionals, nurses, vital statisticians, and emergency responders committed to preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting community safety. Backed by PHAB accreditation and strong partnerships with city, state, and federal agencies, we combine specialized technical expertise with a deep commitment to health equity, serving residents and businesses throughout the city of Portsmouth.

We deliver integrated public health services across multiple areas: environmental health inspections and licensing of food operations, pools, schools, tattoo facilities, campgrounds, and sewage systems; investigations of nuisances and housing hazards; plan reviews and water testing. Our nursing team operates a primary care clinic offering immunizations, physicals, screenings, and health education. We maintain vital records and issue certified birth and death certificates. We lead citywide emergency preparedness planning and response coordination, and through the Portsmouth Local Air Agency, we monitor air quality, issue permits, inspect facilities, and enforce regulations across a five-county region.