New Chesterfield Health District report shows mental health, financial insecurity as Powhatan’s top health concerns

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A new report from the Chesterfield Health District highlights mental health and financial insecurity as the top health issues in Powhatan County.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH)'s Chesterfield Health District completed the Powhatan Community Health Assessment, which reveals that the two concerns are outside of state-mandated services but are considered major factors impacting the community.

“Public health is impacted by so many different facets of life and the community,” said Jessie Brennan, the interim population health manager at the Chesterfield Health District. “The built environment, access to schools, and economic stability all affect health. With that understanding, we reach out to organizations that impact these issues. We bring them together, but the groups themselves really guide the process to identify strategies that work for Powhatan. Together we make a larger impact than working in silos."

The team explored existing population-level data, or secondary data, to define the health status of the community and offer key findings to residents and stakeholders, per a release.

Brennan explained that the assessment "captured community need and does reflect areas that need more strategic attention and resources" and emphasized that health officials prioritized survey and focus groups over secondary data.

The Chesterfield Health District's Steering Committee compiled data from multiple sources at all governmental levels and considered both secondary data and resident feedback to identify the two key issues concerning the Powhatan community.

The health department examines data and identifies assets that reveal gaps -- a key process that aligns with Powhatan County's recent strategic plan, specifically priority four: Quality of Life and Public Safety. Officials expect meetings to start in early 2026.

“We’re excited to work together with the health department and community organizations to improve the health of our county,” Deputy County Administrator Sarah Barnett said. “We want all residents to truly thrive in Powhatan County.”

Powhatan is one of the three localities that the Chesterfield Health District serves.

To read the full 2025 Community Health Assessment for Powhatan County, click here.