We focus on building healthy behaviors and coping strategies that protect against mental health and substance use concerns. In the process, we recognize that each community and individual faces unique challenges, so we tailor our prevention efforts to meet their specific needs.

- Raymond Paden, LPC, CSB Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention Program Manager

About CSB Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention Trainings

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention (WHHP) team works to strengthen our community’s emotional health and ability to handle challenges related to mental health concerns, suicide, and substance misuse through training, workshops, presentations, campaigns, and participating in community events.

Who in the community is eligible to participate?

All Fairfax County residents are eligible to participate in our classes, which include:

• Talk. They Hear You. Underage Drinking & Substance Use Presentation
• Mental Health First Aid (Youth and Adult)
• Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (REVIVE! Kit Training)
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Most current training opportunities are designed for adults and young adults, with new youth-focused initiatives currently in development.

How do you access these trainings and presentations?

To learn more about our services and see upcoming trainings, visit our program web page. You can also email us directly at csbprevention@fairfaxcounty.gov.

What are the outcomes or improvements in people’s lives after participating?

Our services aim to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors related to mental health and substance misuse. By promoting early identification and intervention, we help address concerns before they become more severe. We focus on building healthy behaviors and coping strategies that protect against mental health and substance use concerns. In the process, we recognize that each community and individual faces unique challenges, so we tailor our prevention efforts to meet their specific needs.

What is your favorite success story?

One of our favorite success stories is the transformation of the Fairfax Prevention Coalition over the past year. We’ve made it more inclusive by actively engaging community members, youth and key partners (e.g., Fairfax County Public Schools, the Fairfax County Health Department) — all working together to reduce substance misuse across the county.

We also launched two pilot programs: Mental Health Education 101 at the Adult Detention Center and the Fatal Vision program, which we have delivered to various youth groups throughout Fairfax County. Additionally, we expanded our youth engagement efforts, including partnering with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services on the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Dangers of Fentanyl presentation.

Internally, Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention celebrated the hiring of two new supervisors — both promoted from within — highlighting our commitment to staff development and organizational growth.