Review the complete Awards Program details.  Nominations for the 2022 CSB Spirit of Excellence Awards will be accepted through Friday, February 3, 2023.   CSB SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS CSB Spirit of Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and teams whose performance and actions promote, reinforce, or exemplify the CSB’s vision, mission and values. Each year, the CSB recognizes the people who exemplify excellence by demonstrating exceptional performance and engagement, have far exceeded the routine requirements of their role, have significantly advanced the community in unique and strategic ways, or have served as exemplary role models to inspire excellence in others. CSB Awards Program | Community Services Board (fairfaxcounty.gov)

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) has currently awarded mini-grants for 6 projects, all planned and led by young people, which aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues among their peers. Each of the projects will be implemented by June 2nd, 2023.   Funding for the CSB's mini-grant program for youth-led projects is from a regional suicide prevention grant in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern VA (SPAN).   "The purpose of this initiative is for youth to lead the way in helping their peers and community to recognize a mental health concern in themselves or in someone else, and to not hesitate to get help," says Marla Zometsky, Manager of CSB Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention Services.   The grants were awarded to: Cedar Lane School: After School Boxing Club Autumn Dunlop: Social Emotional Wellness Room Liz Moran: Equine Assisted Learning New Hope Church: Seen, Heard, Valued\Ananya Gottumukkala: You Matter Healthy Minds Fairfax Youth Advisory Council: Bridging Minds Art Gallery   "One in every five people in the U.S. experiences a mental health disorder every year," says Zometsky. "Mental health disorders are common and treatable, but people are often reluctant seek help because of the misunderstanding and stigma.   For youth, studies show that stigma, trust and confidentiality are barriers to help-seeking. Youth are powerful leaders in overcoming the barriers to suicide prevention as they help to create messages and strategies that resonate with their peers.  Their involvement has a profound impact on the culture of their schools and communities, ultimately leading to the social change that can help to increase help-seeking, reduce stigma and prevent suicide.   The CSB and SPAN seek to support young people to be the driving force for a positive culture change to eliminate the stigma around mental illness.   Interested in applying for a Youth-Led Mini Grant – look for the next opportunity in Fall 2023.   Interested in getting involved in other prevention focused youth initiatives, such as the Fairfax Prevention Coalition? Contact CSB's Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention team. Learn more about the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

Beginning January 1, 2023, Wellness Circle Crisis Stabilization Unit will be a non-smoking facility. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges will be available to individuals admitted to Wellness Circle. Group/individual support and community referrals for sustaining smoking cessation after discharge will also be available.

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. These mini-grants will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City, to be completed by June 9, 2023.  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. "Youth are our leaders. Their voices are a powerful tool for change and these grants can support them as they lead the way to reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns and prevent suicide”, adds Marla Zometsky, 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, frank 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, coupled with stressors of our experiences during the pandemic, trauma and systemic racism, further impacts our physical and mental health,” says Zometsky. Youth-led anti-stigma mini-grants | Community Services Board (fairfaxcounty.gov) Proposals are due December 12, 2022 and awardees will be announced Friday, December 16, 2022 Review the Request for Proposal - Request for Proposal-Word Doc to find out how to apply, and email csbprevention@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions. Contact Information: Contact for news media inquiries: Lisa Flowers, Communications Director, 571-474-5435 (cell) or 703-324-7006 (office).