Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is offering its annual mini-grants for youth-led projects to reduce stigma among their peers, with support from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), which is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The mini-grants will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City, to be completed by May 31, 2024. A total of $6,000 is available, for requests not to exceed $1,000 each. “These mini-grants offer our youth the opportunity to take ownership of the positive change they’d like to see in how we discuss and engage with mental health concerns”, says Chad Christian, WHPP team’s mini grant coordinator. "We need opportunities for our youth to grow in leadership. The youth need to be heard because their voices matter and these grants can support them as they lead the charge to reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental health concerns and aid in suicide prevention”, adds Raymond Paden, Manager of CSB Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention services. In addition to the goal of reducing the stigma around mental illness, the mini-grants also aim to promote help-seeking behaviors. While mental health concerns and disorders are common, open and honest discussions about them are not a common occurrence. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24. "Far too often, stigma prevents people from getting the care they need and deserve. Stigma, in addition to ongoing stressors, trauma and systemic racism, along with other factors further impacts our physical and mental health,” says Paden. Proposals are due September 29, 2023, and awardees will be announced October 13, 2023. Review the Request for Proposals (also available in Word format) to find out how to apply, and email csbprevention@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions.

Suicide is a serious public health matter, and prevention efforts are critical. September is Suicide Prevention Month, but it's always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and remind individuals, friends and families about resources that are available to help prevent suicide.  Suicide is preventable, and there are resources and support services available throughout the year to promote positive mental health and increase resilience.   STATISTICS Did you know? On average, there are 132 suicides per day. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Virginia.  Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.  59% of all suicides were by firearms.  Services are provided throughout Fairfax County and include community-focused workshops, campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health trainings for all residents. The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) provides information and opportunities for all residents to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide.    WARNING SIGNS – WHAT TO LOOK FOR The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicate the following behaviors as warning signs: Talking about being a burden to others. Giving belongings away. Looking for a way to kill oneself such as searching online or buying a gun. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. Talking about feeling trapped or unbearable pain. Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly. Sleeping too little or too much. Withdrawing or feeling isolated. Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. Displaying extreme mood swings. The National Alliance on Mental Illness cites risk factors that could increase an individual’s likelihood to experience suicidal thoughts: A family history of suicide. Substance use: Drugs can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts. Intoxication: Analysis from the CDC indicates around 1 in 5 people who die by suicide had alcohol in their system at the time of death. Access to firearms. A serious or chronic medical illness. Gender: Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide. A history of trauma or abuse. Prolonged stress. A recent tragedy or loss.   HOW TO RESPOND TO SOMEONE IN CRISIS Use clear language such as, “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?” Calmly ask supportive questions like, “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?” Express support and concern. Don’t raise your voice, threaten or argue. If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace. Assess the surroundings and remove items such as guns, knives, pills or items that could be used as a weapon.  Be patient.    RESOURCES Asking a person if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal ideation. Learn how to identify, talk to, and support someone who may be experiencing these warning signs by becoming a Mental Health First Aider and a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Sign up for Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings. Additionally, the Lock and Talk Northern Virginia safety program is a collaborative initiative of SPAN and CSB. This program offers free locking medication boxes and gun safety locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out for help right away. These resources are available 24/7: Call or text 9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline  Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679. Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink. Lifeline Chat: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077. In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 911. If you are concerned, SPAN offers a Confidential Online Screening. You can also come directly to the CSB Emergency Services office, which is open 24/7. Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax 703-573-5679, TTY 711 Deciding when to help someone who may be at risk for suicide can be scary, but taking one step to reach out for support could save a life.

Over the recent years, we have seen an increase in awareness and conversation around youth mental health issues. While the terminology can be far-reaching and feel like a topic too big to tackle, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is stepping up to the demand and offering robust services to support the needs of youth and their families. The below information will guide you through symptoms to look for, services available, and how to contact CSB’s Youth and Family team to take advantage of high-quality, evidence-based support that’s close to home.   SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR Sometimes symptoms of mental health and substance abuse issues can go under the radar because they appear to be common behavior. Reach out for help if you or a young person close to you is experiencing the following symptoms: Consistent Difficulty Sleeping Worry or Excessive Fear Impulsive or Disruptive on a Regular Basis Moody, Sad, or Irritable Not Eating or Obsessive Dieting Difficulty Maintaining Friendships Drug and Alcohol Use Concerns School Refusal or Attendance Issues Missing Curfew and/or Running Away Isolating to their Bedroom This is not an exhaustive list of all symptoms of concern. If a young person in your life is exhibiting problematic behavior, it may be time to utilize professional behavioral health services such as those offered at the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB.   SUPPORT AVAILABLE The CSB works in grateful partnership with many community organizations to ensure the youth and families in the area are provided with opportunities to live healthy and meaningful lives. Through internal and external partnerships, the following services are available throughout Fairfax County: Crisis Response (CR2) Opioid Overdose Response Training Assessments and Evaluations Psychiatry Medication Management Outpatient Therapy Case Management Short Term Behavioral Health Therapeutic Mentoring Youth and Parent Support Groups Treatment Groups Peer Support Home-Based Therapy Animal-Assisted Therapies Expressive Therapies   HOW TO FIND HELP Let the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB be your partner in achieving wellbeing. Learn More About the CSB Services and Support Groups Offered To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, call 703-383-8500. If you or a young person in your life is in a behavioral health crisis, call the Regional Crisis Call Center at 703-527-4077, or text 85511. If you or a young person in your life is in a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. You are not alone. Help is available today.

Consistent with national and state trends, opioid overdoses continue to impact individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the Fairfax Health District. The CSB is diligently working to fulfill the demands required of this epidemic by offering various services to meet the needs of the community. The Addiction Medicine Clinic (AMC) at the CSB's Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health is a lifesaving program that provides medication-assisted withdrawal services and substance use disorder treatment to adults in an outpatient setting.   WHAT IS THE ADDICTION MEDICINE CLINIC? The Addiction Medicine Clinic is the CSB’s only outpatient provider of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. The AMC provides substance use disorder services through Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT), formerly known as Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT). AMC also supports clients who are adding buprenorphine to their services while in another CSB substance use disorder treatment program. AMC is based at the Sharon Bulova Center with weekly satellite clinics at the Gartlan Center and the Northwest Center. What makes the AMC unique is the commitment to the treatment of addiction through the application of the medical model. This model recognizes that Addiction is a disease, and the treatment team is therefore committed to maintaining the position to provide evidence-based care to individuals who qualify for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). What makes the AMC different from an abstinence-based model is that the AMC continues to care for a patient at the AMC even if they return to use. Each patient is assigned a treatment team from the moment they walk in the door. They are provided compassionate non-judgmental care by their identified nurse, physician or prescriber, and case manager.   WHAT IS MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT? Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, Antabuse and Vivitrol in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose. These prescribed medications help to normalize brain chemistry, reduce the feelings of euphoria when using drugs, relieve physiological cravings, and stabilize the body without the negative effects of the abused drug. MAT is medically based and treats addiction as a disease. The primary medication used in MAT at the CSB for the treatment of opioid dependence is buprenorphine. Specialized training is required before a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can prescribe this medication.   WHO IS ELLIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THESE SERVICES? To be eligible for services, you must: Be a resident of Fairfax County or the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Be age 18 or older. Be able to access outpatient services (you must be able to get to the Sharon Bulova Center for your appointments). Be medically and psychiatrically stable enough for MAT. Have a recent assessment for AMC services.   HOW IS THE AMC CHANGING LIVES? As opioid, and specifically fentanyl, overdoses and overdose deaths continue to insidiously exist in our communities, the CSB provides quick and accessible care to prevent injury and death from opioid use. Without MAT, 75% of individuals are likely to return to the use of substances. Conversely, when individuals are engaged in a supportive treatment program such as the AMC, approximately 75% are able to achieve recovery. The AMC prides itself in scheduling first-time appointments swiftly. This is because the amount of time lapsed from initial call to initial appointment directly correlates with the level of risk that person is experiencing. Additionally, the AMC has a specific protocol for individuals reintegrating into the community from the Adult Detention Center. Because these individuals are at high risk of overdose, the AMC smoothly transitions these individuals with no gap in service. In the first half of 2023, the AMC has supported over 200 individuals in their recovery by providing engagement, medication management, case management, and clinical support. The CSB has been leading the path in outpatient addiction treatment being the first in Virginia to offer outpatient medically managed withdrawal treatment in 2013 and continues to offer innovative lifesaving services to individuals in our community. Visit the AMC’s website for more information. Watch a video to hear from an individual who benefited from services at the AMC.