Following a countywide design competition launched in July, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition has announced the winning design which will be used as a visual representation of the coalition.

Created by tenth grade student Paolo Chavez, the winning design shows four interlocking hands under the words “Empowering • Strengthening • Communities.” “I really wanted to participate in this competition because I wanted to support what Fairfax Prevention Coalition is doing, as I know that mental illness and addiction are very prevalent issue with my generation,” Chavez said at a recognition ceremony announcing the new logo. Chavez’s logo, one of 117 designs submitted, was selected after several rounds of voting by Coalition members. Nahom Daniel, another logo participant, shared that he was proud of his contribution “to build people’s awareness on this matter” and that while working on his design he “realized that it is very critical that everyone knows how dangerous the misuse of these substances could be” and how little he knew prior to the contest.

“There were so many incredible designs that it was difficult to choose,” said CSB's Lori Naveda, Fairfax Coalition Prevention Coordinator. “We are excited to have a student-drawn logo to represent our goal of creating better, healthier communities.”

The Fairfax Prevention Coalition, led by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, aims to create and coordinate strategies that encourage a drug-free community. The coalition effort is one of the initiatives funded by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-led Opioid Task Force strategies.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2019; for more information contact Coalition Coordinator Lori Naveda, CSB, 703-538-7476.

Beyond the Fairfax Prevention Coalition, there are other ways to be involved in substance use and underage prevention programs in Fairfax County: 

• CSB launched a Youth Council in 2017, an opportunity for teens to be involved in prevention activities with students from across FCPS. All are welcome.
• Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services continues to provide evidence-based drug prevention programming to middle school afterschool programs at recreation and teen centers.
• Learn more about ways to prevent teen substance use or to learn about Fairfax County’s Successful Children and Youth Policy Team initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest and attended our celebration!