Congratulations Phelecia Riddick-Debnam on being named the 2026 Norfolk Health District and Eastern Region Nurse of the Year.
Phelecia joined the Norfolk Health District in April 2020, during one of the most challenging periods in modern public health history—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional adaptability and resilience, serving in Emergency Preparedness Response with professionalism and poise under pressure. While many were navigating uncertainty, Phelecia quickly emerged as a steady, solution-oriented leader dedicated to protecting and serving the community.
In her current role as Clinic Nurse Supervisor, Phelecia oversees several high-impact services, including sexual health, childhood and adult immunizations, and childhood and adolescent physical examinations. She ensures that clinical services operate efficiently, equitably, and in alignment with evidence-based standards of care.
Through her strategic coordination and tireless commitment, more than 1,509 community members—many from vulnerable and underserved populations—were vaccinated in 2025. Her efforts not only improve immunization rates but also strengthen trust between the public health system and the community.
What truly distinguishes Phelecia is her ability to lead with both clinical expertise and genuine compassion. She consistently advocates for patients, supports her team with integrity, and approaches every challenge with determination and professionalism. Her contributions extend far beyond measurable outcomes—she elevates the standard of nursing practice within our department and serves as a role model for public health nurses across the region.
Phelecia exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession and represents the mission and values of the Virginia Department of Health with distinction.
