Updates from the Health Department
September 30, 2025
The Fairfax County Health Department announced the grand opening of its new public health center located at 6564 Loisdale Court, Springfield, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility expands services and welcomes residents who faced transportation challenges.
The Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center provides a wide array of public health services, including immunizations, maternity services, HIV & STI testing, assistance with navigating county resources, vital records, as well as the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition program. Services will be available by appointment and during walk-in hours.
The new facility, located on the fourth floor, offers a flexible space and is designed for families with diverse health needs. Features include nine patient-centric exam rooms, two with negative air pressure (to service residents with infectious diseases, including tuberculosis), and one with a barrier-free bariatric exam table allowing families and individuals of all sizes and abilities to be cared for together. In addition, the site includes seven WIC consultation rooms providing private, comfortable spaces for new moms to breastfeed and who are supported by specially trained staff.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Sept. 26, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay, Supervisor for the Franconia District Rodney Lusk, along with Fairfax County’s Director of Health Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu and Deputy Director for Medical Services Dr. Parham Jaberi provided remarks.
Ribbon cutters left to right: Mr. William Finerfrock; Mrs. Leann Aberts, Dr. Natalia Giscombe Simons, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu; Chairman Jeffrey McKay; Supervisor Rodney Lusk, and Dr. Parham Jaberi
“The Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center is a great addition to our community, providing expanded access to essential health services and supporting the wellness of all Fairfax County residents, said Chairman Jeffrey McKay. “With modern facilities and a dedicated team, it will help ensure that everyone has the care they need, close to home.”
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu commented that public health is the cornerstone of strong communities and conveyed the new site demonstrates the county’s commitment to residents’ equitable access to healthcare. Dr. Jaberi shared that some 47 public health staff will provide services to multilingual clients with diverse health needs by collaborating across multiple county programs in a welcoming environment.
L to R: Chairman Jeff McKay, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Supervisor Rodney Lusk
“The opening of the Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center represents a significant milestone in Fairfax County’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community, said Supervisor Lusk. “Families and individuals in our community will more easily be able to obtain essential services like immunizations, nutritional support, tuberculosis treatment and many other critical public health resources.”
“This health center is not only comprehensive in the services it offers, but also easily accessible. Its location near the Franconia-Springfield Metro station and several bus lines ensures that public transit users have a direct path to care. This is an important step in reducing barriers to obtaining quality health care here in Fairfax County,” continued Supervisor Lusk.
To make an appointment for clinical services, please call 703-246-2411. For WIC services, call 703-246-5599.
Following the temporary closure of the Joseph Willard Health Center on October 1, the Franconia-Springfield site will be one of five public health centers serving county residents who need preventative services and other important health and nutrition services.
For more information about Health Department services, please visit the clinics page.
For photos of the ribbon-cutting ceremony visit Fairfax County’s Flickr page.
September 19, 2025
As we transition from summer to fall, we also head into flu season. So, as you dust off those boots and jackets, take some time to go over these five simple strategies you can use to protect yourself and those around you.
1. Get your annual flu shot
The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu. It reduces your chance of getting sick and helps to protect others around you who cannot be vaccinated. Even if you do get sick, being vaccinated significantly reduces the severity of the illness. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the annual flu shot. The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is September-October. This makes sure that you are protected during the height of flu season. However, if you are unable to get a flu shot until later in the year, you are still encouraged to do so. Talk to your doctor or visit a pharmacy to get vaccinated.
To find where you can receive a flu vaccine, visit VDH's Vaccine Provider Locator.
2. Wash your hands often
Washing your hands regularly is one of the best and simplest ways to prevent yourself from getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If there is no soap or water available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Learn when you should wash your hands.
Learn when you should wash your hands.
3. Cover your coughs and sneezes
Coughing and sneezing can spread germs to others. Always cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not with your hands. Make sure to throw out tissues and wash your hands immediately after.
4. Clean surfaces regularly and avoid touching your face
When you touch your eyes, nose and mouth germs on your hands can enter your body and make you sick. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly. Make sure to wash your hands at key times, like before touching your face, putting in contacts and eating.
5. Stay home when sick
Staying home when sick is important in preventing illness from spreading to others. Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
You have not had a fever without using fever-reducing medication.
When you return to your normal activities take extra care to not spread illness to others, as you could still be contagious. Consider wearing a mask when around others indoors or keeping a distance from others for the next 5 days.
While flu might feel like a simple cold for some people, it can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions. If you are in one of these high-risk groups, speak to your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is right for you.
Don’t let flu get in the way of your fall plans. Get vaccinated and practice these prevention strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones.
September 15, 2025
The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) is a coalition of community members, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies, and businesses that advocate for and promote food system and policy changes benefitting Fairfax communities, especially underserved communities, to promote and ensure equitable access to healthy food.
In an effort to engage and incorporate the perspective of youth in Fairfax County, the FFC is seeking a Youth Representative to serve on its Advisory Council. The Advisory Council serves as a resource to the FFC on diverse food system issues, offering perspective, facts, and guidance. As a member of the Advisory Council, the Youth Representative will:
Be available for individual outreach (via email or phone) throughout the year to give feedback on specific issues.
Assist the FFC with projects as necessary.
Attend work group and task force meetings or review meeting notes, as schedule allows.
Attend Public Health Youth Ambassador Program events, as schedule allows.
Assist the Executive Committee in setting FFC priorities by proactively bringing forward issues of importance to an equitable food system (i.e., sharing information or challenges on various components of the food system).
Represent the interests of youth who live and go to school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church.
The Youth Representative position is considered a volunteer position. This position is only open to high school and college undergraduate students who live and/or attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church.
Questions? Email the Fairfax Food Council at FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Applications are open from September 15, 2025, through October 24, 2025.
Complete the application.
September 16, 2025
The Fairfax County Health Department is recognizing the important work of its Public Health Laboratory as part of Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month. The observance shines a light on the highly skilled scientists and staff who play a critical role in protecting the community’s health every day. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the results directly impact the safety and well-being of county residents.
The laboratory conducts a wide range of testing to identify diseases, track outbreaks, and ensure the safety of food, water, and the environment. From detecting cases of tuberculosis, flu, and COVID-19 to monitoring for rabies and other public health threats, the lab is often the first line of defense. Their quick and accurate testing provides the information doctors, hospitals, and public health teams need to act fast and prevent illness from spreading.
Beyond emergency response, the laboratory’s work helps maintain the daily health of the community. Routine testing supports restaurant inspections, monitors mosquito and tick-borne diseases, and ensures that residents have safe drinking water. This behind-the-scenes support often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations across Fairfax County.
Director of Laboratory Services Deborah Severson, points out how Fairfax County is truly fortunate to have its own local public health laboratory right here in the community, and credits her dedicated and highly trained scientists. Deborah says, "Every day, their expertise and commitment provide the critical information that guides nearly 70% of medical diagnoses and treatment decisions, strengthens outbreak response, and protects the health of our residents. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt everywhere. I want to say 'Thank you' for the professionalism, care, and excellence they bring to this vital mission. Fairfax County is stronger, safer, and healthier because of them."
Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month is an opportunity to thank the dedicated staff whose expertise keeps the community safe. Their commitment, especially during public health emergencies, has saved lives and strengthened the county’s ability to respond to new challenges.
Wash Your Hands Often
Mosquito & Tick Bite Prevention
Health Dept. Strategic Plan
Parents: Get your child's immunizations up-to-date!
Ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccinations helps provide immunity before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
And remember, vaccination it important at all ages. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, make sure you are up to date, too!