To the Fairfax County Community,

This was a difficult week for Virginians. Two officers at Bridgewater College in central Virginia were fatally shot on Tuesday. While at a meeting with colleagues from across the Commonwealth, I offered my condolences to officials from Rockingham County. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the officers who were killed and to the Bridgewater College community.

There are a number of conversations and issues that must be discussed as a result of this tragedy. Right now, I want to focus on mental health. As I have said in a past newsletter, due to the pandemic, many of us have faced isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty, and it takes a toll on our wellbeing. This increase in mental health problems combined with less access to services can result in tragedies like we saw this week.

I want to be clear however that in Fairfax County we have the resources to address these issues. We want our residents to access those resources, and know that they are available whenever needed. Learn more about what is available here.