Is Your Local Health Department Open? Here’s a Look.

By Amie Knowles

February 25, 2021

In multiple areas across the state, health departments are either shutting down or changing hours.

RICHMOND – Health officials across Virginia are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways. Some are changing hours for the local health department and some are even closing their doors.

When Dogwood reported last week on the Sussex County Health Department closing in the midst of the pandemic, we found ourselves asking whether this is happening anywhere else in the Commonwealth. If you were wondering the same thing, you’re in luck.

Here’s a complete list of the hours of operation and services available at every health district in Virginia. To explain, a district includes all of the health departments in a region. The cities and counties cover the cost of a building and provide some funding. The district officials, who are hired by the state, are in charge of running each department.

If your district’s information isn’t listed, don’t worry, we’ll be updating the list periodically.

Alexandria Health District – Varying hours

Alexandria City Heath Department
– Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
– Thursday 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Casey Health Center
– Monday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
– Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Teen Wellness Center
– Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– Every first and third Thursday, 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– Every second and fourth Thursday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A representative from the Alexandria City Heath Department noted that scheduled hours may vary. However, the department does not accept walk-in clients.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Alexandria Health Department limited services are by appointment only or by telephone. Clients must wear a face covering during their appointment.

Alleghany Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm.

Botetourt County Health Department
Clifton Forge Health Department
Covington Health Department
Craig County Health Department
Roanoke County/Salem Health Department
Roanoke City/Vinton Health Department

“I went and confirmed that even at our scattered sites, so at some of our smaller localities that are outside of Roanoke, we all have 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as our routine hours of operation,” said Christie Wills, communications officer for the district.

Those in need of clinic services can schedule an appointment through their local health department.

A representative at the Covington Health Department noted that on some days, the office does not offer clinic services when staff are hosting a COVID-19 vaccination event.

Arlington Health District – Varying hours

Arlington Public Health Division

On Mondays, maternity admissions take place from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Combined Clinic services, including maternity care, family planning and sexually transmitted infection services, take place from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

On Tuesdays, Combined Clinic services take place from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Immunization clinics occur from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Virtual visits occur on Wednesday for family planning and STI services from 8 a.m to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Thursday, telemedicine appointments for family planning and STI services take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Long Acting Reversible Contraception Clinic schedules appointments on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services take place remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Our biggest shift has been holding some of our clinics virtually. For example, family planning consultations,” said Hannah Winant, public affairs manager for the Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management.

Blue Ridge Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department
Yancey Community Health Center (Southern Albemarle County)
Fluvanna County Health Department
Greene County Health Department
Louisa County Health Department
Nelson County Health Department

Jason Elliott, deputy public information officer for the Blue Ridge Health District, noted that services are currently available by appointment only.

“And then of course, given the situation, we also have lots of folks that are working literally around the clock on case investigations and all that good stuff. So that’s important to note, especially right now,” Elliott said. “We do have testing clinics or things like that that will happen outside of those hours. Just those are the hours where if you call us at an office, someone’s definitely going to be in there.”

Chickahominy Health District – 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

Hanover Health Department
Goochland Health Department
New Kent Health Department
Charles City Health Department

While all four Chickahominy Health District offices adhere to the same office hours, Caitlin Hodge, district director, noted certain nuances.

“Our four offices have slightly different schedules based on, like, the population size that might have people coming into the building. We serve really small counties, but also Hanover, which is our biggest, so it kind of depends,” Hodge said. “But we always make sure we have folks available for different programs that can answer questions at all the health departments during those office hours.”

One of the main adjustments in the Chickahominy district arose because of staffing components. Some clinic schedules changed because vaccination clinics needed nurses, which the Chickahominy Health District provided.

The district’s WIC program offers mainly virtual appointments.

Central Shenandoah Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bath County Health Department
Buena Vista Health Department
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department
Highland County Health Department
Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department
Staunton-Augusta Health Department
Waynesboro-Augusta Health Department

A representative from the Bath County Health Department noted that the departments currently offer services by appointment only.

Central Virginia Health District – 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Amherst County Health Department
Appomattox County Health Department
Bedford County Health Department
Campbell County Health Department
Lynchburg Health Department

A representative from the Lynchburg office noted that all five departments in the district operate on the same schedule. Clinics operate by appointment only and do not accept walk-ins.

Chesapeake Health District – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chesapeake Health Department

A representative from the Chesapeake office noted that clinic services occur Monday through Thursday. Clinic visits are by appointment only. The district set aside Fridays for COVID-19 vaccination events.

Chesterfield Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chesterfield County Health Department
North Chesterfield Health Department
Powhatan County Health Department
Colonial Heights Health Department

A representative from the Chesterfield County Health Department said limited clinical services are currently available by appointment.

Crater Health District – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Dinwiddie Health Department
Greensville/Emporia Health Department
Hopewell Health Department
Petersburg Health Department
Prince George Health Department
Surry Health Department

– Monday, Wednesday, Friday (with teleservices operating five days a week)
Sussex Health Department
– Monday, Wednesday, Friday (with teleservices operating five days a week)

“All clinics at each health department are scheduled by appointment only. Walk-ins are currently not accepted,” said Tara Rose, community health educator for the Crater Health District. “Teleservices continue to operate five days a week to include WIC, vital records and environmental health services at all health departments.”

RELATED: When The Pandemic Hit, The Sussex Health Department Left

Cumberland Plateau Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Buchanan County Health Department
Dickenson County Health Department
Russell County Health Department
Tazewell County Health Department

“We currently are only doing the clinics by appointment only,” said Delilah McFadden, the Cumberland Plateau Health District public health emergency coordinator.

McFadden noted that people could call their local health department to schedule an appointment.

Eastern Shore Health District – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Accomack County Health Department
Northampton County Health Department

A representative from the Accomack County Health Department noted that both departments in the district operate clinics by appointment only.

Fairfax Health District – Varying hours

Annandale District Office (Temporarily closed)
Herndon-Reston District Office (Temporarily closed)

Joseph Willard Health Center
– Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
– Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon District Office (Temporarily closed)
Springfield District Office (Temporarily closed)

Effective Dec. 21, 2022, the Fairfax County Health Department consolidated services across its five district offices to one location. Clients in need of essential services may contact the Joseph Willard Health Center.

“That’s the one clinic that is still providing services, all by appointment. So anybody who needs a service would need to call,” said Tina Dale, senior communications specialist for the Fairfax Health District. “And then, of course, our website has all of those services that are still being offered at that one site. And I would say it’s limited, limited services. So we’re still providing limited service. So we’re not doing the full breadth of services we normally would when we’re not in a pandemic.”

Essential services involve immunizations, pregnancy tests, STI services, TB testing, yellow fever immunizations and WIC services. The department will provide all WIC services over the phone. The health department will also continue screening pregnant residents to determine if they meet the criteria for maternity services provided through a partnership with INOVA Cares Clinic for Women.

Dental services are also available at the Joseph Willard Health Center. Current patients and those in need of emergency dental care receive priority.

The remaining four district offices currently operate as COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Hampton Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Victoria Center
LaSalle Center
Wilsondale Center

A representative from the Hampton Health Department noted that clinic services take place by appointment only.

Lenowsico Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lee County Health Department
Wise County and City of Norton Health Department
Scott County Health Department

A representative at the Wise County and City of Norton Health Department noted that all clinics at each of the health departments take place by appointment only. WIC services take place over the phone.

According to a voice messaging service for the district, vital records and environmental health services are available daily. Each department closes daily from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for cleaning.

Lord Fairfax Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Frederick/Winchester Health Department
Clarke County Health Department
Warren County Health Department
Page County Health Department
Shenandoah County Health Department

Clinics at the health departments in the Lord Fairfax Health District take place predominantly through Telehealth services. There are two traveling clinicians for the district, with varying schedules. Each office schedules appointments for clinics, which take place two to three days a week.

When a clinician conducts a Telehealth conference, if they feel the client needs to make a follow-up in-person visit, that option exists. The health departments also offer some immunization services for children and adults on a case-by-case basis.

WIC services vary by location. WIC appointments occur over the phone, but a scheduled appointment is necessary. Appointments and calls occur within normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clarke County Health Department’s WIC program currently takes place through the Frederick/Winchester Health Department.

In certain circumstances, WIC clients may come to the office. For example, if they need to pick up a new participant packet, they may schedule a time to do so.

Loudoun Health District – Unconfirmed

Administrative and Environmental Health Offices
Ashburn Health Clinic
Leesburg Health Clinic
Leesburg WIC

** Dogwood attempted to confirm the district’s hours with a representative from the district prior to publication. Once we hear back from a representative, we will update the hours of operation for the Portsmouth Health District.

An automated voice messaging system alerts callers that services currently available through clinics include immunizations, urine pregnancy tests, STI exams, family planning and maternity eligibility. Clinics operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, clinics operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, clinic services are available by appointment only.

Mount Rogers Health District

Mount Rogers Health Department

A representative from the Mount Rogers Health Department noted that regular clinics still take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but by appointment only.

New River Health District – Uncertain

Floyd County Health Department
Giles County Health Department
Montgomery County Health Department
Pulaski County Health Department
Radford City Health Department

** Dogwood attempted to confirm the district’s hours with a representative from the district prior to publication. Once we hear back from a representative, we will update the hours of operation for the Portsmouth Health District.

Norfolk Department of Public Health – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southampton Health Clinic

A representative from the Norfolk Department of Public Health noted that the department currently gears most of its efforts toward COVID-19 vaccination events. Also, all clinic visits are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment at the department’s centralized scheduling office call 757-683-2735.

The department’s former Little Creek Clinic closed. A representative from the Norfolk Department of Public Health confirmed that their services no longer operated out of that location.

Peninsula Health District – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Peninsula Health Center
Williamsburg/James County Office
York/Denbigh WIC Clinic
East End Health Facility WIC Clinic

A representative from the Peninsula Health Center noted that all clinic visits are by appointment only.

Piedmont Health District – 8 to 4:30 p.m.

Amelia County Health Department
Buckingham County Health Department
Charlotte County Health Department
Cumberland County Health Department
Lunenburg County Health Department
Nottoway County Health Department
Prince Edward County Health Department

A representative from the Piedmont Health District noted that all clinics in each health district take place by appointment only.

Pittsylvania/Danville Health District – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Danville Health Department
Pittsylvania County Health Department

A representative from the Pittsylvania County Health Department noted that clinicians or nurses schedule appointments at both the Danville and Pittsylvania County Health Departments. They look over each client’s chart and speak with the client to determine whether an in-person or Telehealth appointment is appropriate.

Portsmouth Health District – Uncertain

Portsmouth Health Department

** Dogwood attempted to confirm the department’s hours with a representative from the district prior to publication. Once we hear back from a representative, we will update the hours of operation for the Portsmouth Health District.

Prince William Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Manassas Clinic
Woodbridge Clinic
WIC Manassas Office
WIC Woodbridge Office

A representative from the Woodbridge Clinic noted that all offices in the district operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But, appointments are necessary for clinic services.

Rappahannock Area Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

City of Fredericksburg Health Department

– Family Planning, the Every Woman’s Life Program and STI Clinics occur on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caroline County Health Department
(Does not currently offer clinical services)
King George County Health Department
(Does not currently offer clinical services)
Spotsylvania County Health Department

– Immunizations (non-COVID) occur Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stafford County Health Department
(Does not currently offer clinical services)

Anyone from the entire health district may access the services offered through Spotsylvania’s immunization clinic and Fredericksburg’s clinic offerings. Clinic visits are available by appointment only. Other services are available through telemedicine, by appointment only.

“We have had to reduce our clinic hours pretty substantially right now since our nurses are helping with vaccinations,” said Allison Balmes-John, public information officer for the Rappahannock Area Health District.

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Culpeper County
Fauquier County
Madison County
Orange County
Rappahannock County

A representative from the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District said clinics are available by appointment only.

Richmond City and Henrico County Health District – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Richmond City Health District

Clinical services are available to the insured and underinsured residents as well as the general public and teens. The Cary Street location provides STI/HIV screening and treatment, immunizations, TB screening and treatment, and refugee and immigrant services. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the office closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Southwood, Gilpin, Mosby and Fairfield Resource Centers are open for immunization clinics for ages five and under. Some clinics are open on a limited basis, based on criteria. However, centers are only seeing patients with urgent needs. Also, you need to schedule an appointment to be seen at these clinics.

The district does not host clinics on Tuesdays. Creighton, Whitcomb, Broad Rock and Hillside Resource Centers do not currently host services at this time.

Afternoon clinical services do not operate on the fourth Friday of each month. All morning and afternoon clinical services do not operate on any fifth Friday in a month for staff training.

Southside Health District – 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Southside Health Department
Brunswick County Health Department
Halifax County Health Department
Mecklenburg County Health Department

** Dogwood attempted to confirm the district’s hours with a representative from the district prior to publication. We haven’t heard anything from them yet. But, once we hear back from a representative, we will update the hours of operation for the Portsmouth Health District.

Three Rivers Health District – 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

Essex County Health Department
Gloucester County Health Department
King and Queen County Health Department
King William County Health Department
Lancaster County Health Department
Mathews County Health Department
Middlesex County Health Department
Northumberland County Health Department
Richmond County Health Department
Westmoreland County Health Department

A representative from the Middlesex County Health Department noted that all 10 offices operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But, clinic visits are available by appointment only.

Virginia Beach Health District – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indian River WIC Office
NAS Oceana WIC Office
Oceanfront WIC Office
Pembroke Corporate Center III

All four offices operate on the same Monday through Friday schedule.

“We’re not open to the pubic. We’re doing all of our appointments by phone,” said Lisa Anderson, WIC coordinator.

West Piedmont Health District – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bassett Clinic
Franklin County Health Department
Henry/Martinsville Health Department
Mount Vernon Church Clinic
Patrick County Health Department

The health departments in the district are maintaining clinic services, but the district’s focus is on COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

For now, clinics take place by appointment only. All five offices work together to coordinate events, such as STI testing, by sharing staff amongst the various departments in the district. For example, if several people call in with testing needs over the same few weeks, the departments schedule one clinic date to see all of the clients.

“Sometimes when you’re smaller, you have to get creative,” said Nancy Bell population health manager and public information officer for the West Piedmont Health District.

Western Tidewater Health District – Uncertain

Franklin City Health Department
Isle of Wight County Health Department
Southampton County Health Department
Suffolk City Health Department
Pughsville (New Hope Baptist Church)

** Dogwood attempted to confirm the district’s hours with a representative from the district prior to publication. We haven’t heard anything from them yet. But, once we hear back from a representative, we will update the hours of operation for the Portsmouth Health District.

To pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine, you no longer need to contact your local health district. Instead, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-INVA

Amie Knowles reports for Dogwood. You can reach her at [email protected]

  • Amie Knowles

    Amie is Dogwood's community editor. She has been in journalism for several years, winning multiple awards from the Virginia Press Association for news and features content. A lifelong Virginia resident, her work has appeared in the Martinsville Bulletin, Danville Register & Bee and NWNC Magazine.

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