Substance use disorders and mental health issues can be scary and confusing. But the adage remains true that knowledge is power. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), research-based prevention programs can significantly reduce early use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) supports a primary prevention approach to promote positive mental health.

Locally, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) plays an active role in the prevention efforts of the Fairfax community. The Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention (WHPP) team strengthens our community’s emotional health and ability to handle mental health and substance use challenges through trainings, workshops, presentations, and campaigns.

Attend a Health & Wellness Training

The CSB is proud to offer a series of educational programs designed to support the well-being of individuals, families and communities. These sessions focus on mental health, substance use prevention, and strategies to build resilience and save lives.

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

  Gain a deeper understanding of how early adversity affects brain development, long term health and resilience. Learn what we can do—individually and collectively—to promote well-being across the lifespan.

• Mental Health First Aid

  This course introduces risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches how to help someone who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education

  Learn how to recognize the sign of an opioid overdose and how to safely administer naloxone to reverse a heroin/opioid overdose.

• Talk. They hear you.

  Designed for parents and caregivers of children, teens, and young adults for having open, ongoing conversations about underage drinking and substance use.

• Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR)

  Learn three simple yet powerful steps anyone can use to help prevent suicide and support someone in emotional distress.

Looking for ways to support mental health, prevent suicide and reduce substance misuse in your community? Here are a few ways to engage, connect and take action:

Join a Community Group

• Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN)

  A regional coalition of CSBs and community partners working together to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide.

• Fairfax Prevention Coalition

  A partnership of parents, youth, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, media, nonprofits, businesses, policymakers and volunteers, working together to combat substance misuse in our community.

Utilize Additional Resources

• Lock and Talk

  Open conversations about suicide can save lives, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Lock your medications and firearms and talk with loved ones about safety and mental health.

• Online mental health screening

  Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional.

• Wellness Activities

  Stay up to date on WHPP’s activities and events in the community.

• Request CSB Staff to Present at your Event

To Access CSB Services

• For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.

• If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH, a 24/7 regional crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, at 855-897-8278.

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080.