Eastern State Hospital in James City County is one of Virginia’s eight state-run mental hospitals, which have faced challenges with understaffing and an increase in psychiatric patients. Medicaid was supposed to help reduce the number of admissions at these hospitals, but that hasn’t fully happened.
Hiram Davis Medical Center, a state-run hospital in Petersburg, will close by 2027, according to an announcement from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The building, which is 50 years old, hasn’t had any major renovations since it opened in 1974, and its design makes it difficult to update without moving everyone out for up to two years.
Currently, 46 patients are being treated at the center for a mix of medical and mental health issues. The plan to close gives several years for patients and staff to transition.
“We’ll work with families to find the best options for their loved ones and keep staff informed about job opportunities at other state facilities,” said commissioner Nelson Smith.
The Virginia General Assembly must review and approve the closure plan before it can move forward. Senator Lashrecse Aird from Petersburg stated that she wants to make sure the final decision is in the best interest of the patients, their families, and the staff at the facility.