Let‘s Talk, Portsmouth!

In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we wrap up our series designed to raise awareness about the different roles of Social Services in our community. If there’s one thing we’ve learned in this series – a message that’s been reiterated over and over again – is that these women and men work tirelessly to protect and serve some of the most vulnerable people in society. Joining us on Let’s Talk Portsmouth is Ms. Sharlette Hunter...

In today’s episode, and throughout the month of August, we’re going to talk with the professionals in the Portsmouth Department of Social Services who work tirelessly to protect and serve some of the most vulnerable in our society. Today, we talked with Stefanie Fabrizio, Senior Family Services Supervisor in the Adoption and Foster Care unit of the Department of Social Services. What we want you, our listeners to know, the departme...

In today’s episode and throughout the month of August, Let's Talk Portsmouth speaks with the professionals in the Portsmouth Department of Social Services, who work diligently to protect and serve some of the most vulnerable in our society – children, the elderly, and those who need special care. We tried to dispel some of the misconceptions about Child Protective Services (CPS), its role, and the people who serve. We spoke wit...

As you may be aware, the first Tuesday in August has been designated as National Night Out -- a national community-building campaign that promotes positive police and community partnerships. This year's event takes place Tuesday, August 2. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we talk with Assistant Police Chief Na'Shayla Nelson and Sgt. Misty Holley from the Portsmouth Police Department about the 2022 National Nigh...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide has become a leading cause of death in the U.S. Forty-six-thousand people committed suicide in 2020. Suicide and suicide attempts cause serious emotional, physical, and economic impacts. Joining us on this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth is Dr. Porcha Porter with the city's Behavioral Healthcare Services Department. We talk about the common warning signs ...

According to the Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we talk with Dr. Porcha Porter about the increasing number of fentanyl deaths. Dr. Porter is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical manager of short-term services with Portsmouth's Behavioral Healthcare Services Dep...

Book bans, challenges, and book burnings have made the news all throughout the world and in American history. In 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) received 729 reports of book challenges – a rate which the ALA called unprecedented. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we spoke with three professional librarians about the recent uptick in book bans and challenges. Lisa Varga, executive director for the Virginia Lib...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal mortality has become a disturbing public health problem. Pregnancy and childbirth are killing Black women at an alarming rate, and these women are 243 percent more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we talk about this public health problem with Ms. Amy Paulson from the Eastern Virginia Medical ...

In this episode, we conducted a series of quick interviews with city staffers and community connections that provide exciting highlights of summer fun in the historic port city. It's all about music, fun, festivals, concerts, and an update on the Rivers Casino project in Portsmouth. National Night Out, hosted by the Portsmouth Police Department, is also featured. Besides a whirlwind of fun activities, we also provide a reminder...

The Portsmouth Health Department recently conducted a community health survey and held a town hall meeting to talk about the results. A community health survey is a tool used to gather information on the behaviors of specific groups of people in a determined area. This kind of data allows health care experts to understand how a community acts toward health. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, healthcare officials discuss ...

Hurricane season begins June 1, for folks living along the eastern Atlantic Coast region of the country. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we engage in a great conversation about hurricane preparedness with Shawn Talmadge and Katie Carter from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. This duo of emergency management planners and communication officials talk plainly about the nature of these storms. We learned the ...

On this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we speak with Dr. Michelle Pyka, vice president for medical affairs at Bon Secours Mercy Health System. In observance of National Women's Health Month, Dr. Pyka talks about the month-long observance, women's unique health issues, and offers tips for women to obtain optimum health and vitality. Dr. Pyka also stressed the importance of having a good relationship with your healthca...

Let's Talk Portsmouth interviews Renee Spratley manager of events for the city of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department. After a two-year hiatus, many events are returning to the historic port city including live concerts at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, the 30th Annual Umoja Festival, the Memorial Day Parade, and Sunset Thursdays. We get the low-down on upcoming events and take a quick peek into the summer happenings....

Conservation and climate change are hot topics in the news and on social. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we interview Marjorie Jackson, executive director of the Elizabeth River Project, and Larry LaPell, Paradise Creek Nature Park park operations manager. The Elizabeth River Project originated with four volunteers in 1991, and now boasts a staff of 30 -- all working with businesses, government, and individuals to rest...

Portsmouth Community Concerts brings the Sons of Serendip to Churchland High School Friday, April 22, 2022. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we sat down with lead vocalist Micah Christian, and members of the Portsmouth Community Concerts board Ken Woolard and Susan Kalan, for a discussion on the Sons of Serendip's music, upcoming concerts, and more. Sons of Serendip appeared on America's Got Talent and were seaso...

The Portsmouth Reentry Council, a non-profit organization based in the city's Department of Social Services, works with people who have been released from prison and are trying to reintegrate into society. Its members work with dozens of agencies across the Commonwealth to help returning citizens rejoin the community. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we talk with two of those agencies that work with the reentry cou...

On this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we interview Janice Douglass-Ellis, from the Portsmouth Department of Social Services. Ellis works on a project called the Portsmouth Reentry Council with the goal of easing the transition of formerly incarcerated individuals back into the community. The Reentry Council is voluntarily implemented and does not have an actual office, employees, or funding. The Portsmouth  Reentry Council is...

The Wesley Community Service Center was established in 1937 when a group of Methodist women in Portsmouth joined forces to form a city mission board to get involved in community needs and social issues. In 2022, the Wesley Community Service Center is still operating with the same goal – to assist people and improve the community. On this issue of Let’s Talk Portsmouth, we spoke with Renyatta Banks, executive director of the Wesley ...

In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we spoke with Bryan K. Stephens, President and CEO for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. There are approximately 7,000 chambers of commerce in the country. The Hampton Roads Chamber, via the creation of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, has been around since 1801. Stephens talks about the upcoming State of the City series, the Chamber’s role in helping businesses succeed, the import...