A state-run facility in Petersburg that provides long-term care for those with medical and developmental disabilities is planning to close in 2027.
The Hiram W. Davis Medical Center provides care to Virginians who were previously at other state-run behavioral centers but have multiple illnesses and required additional medical services.
The closure is “something that we’ve been talking about for awhile,” said Lauren Cunningham, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. “This is a really deliberate and gradual approach. This isn’t something that is going to happen overnight.”
The center was built was built in 1974 as a 94-bed facility. Currently, it has 46 patients, including nine who only need temporary care, according to Cunningham. Permanent residents will be sent to a variety of other facilities, like Medicaid waiver group homes or the Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake.
DBHDS Commissioner Nelson Smith announced Friday that the Petersburg center intends to shutter its doors in 2027 because the building needs extensive work that would be impractical to complete. The building design does not allow for phased renovations, meaning that staff and residents would need to vacate the facility for up to two years.