On March 17, ICNA Relief held a banquet at the Waterford Event Center in Springfield. The event brought together community members and partners in celebration of the work that has been done over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several Health Department staff were honored for their work with ICNA, including Community Health Development Director…

On February 25, Stronger2 and its partners Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia, ...

Provided 250 COVID home tests, administered 102 booster vaccinations, traveled to 20 local events and drove roughly 2500 miles – just a glimpse of what the CareVan has accomplished over the past 6 months.

The Fairfax County CareVan is community outreach on wheels.

...

The work that Dallice Joyner does for public health is invaluable.

Dallice, a Staff Development Specialist in the Department’s Office of Innovation, co-leads projects that promote and embed equity within programs throughout the agency. In addition to developing and implementing new employee orientations, Dallice facilitates courageous conversations about racism, racial justice, and…

Food for Others, a regional food bank and member of the Fairfax County Food Council, held a grand opening of its Merrifield 10,000 square foot addition to its public-facing market on Thursday, February 9. In itsfirst two weeks, over 82,000…

On Saturday, February 4, people gathered at the Oakland Baptist Church in Alexandria to have conversations about HIV and to highlight progress made to reduce the virus in the African-American community.

The event brought together community members including the ...

Love, communication, and truth.

Those were the themes shared during the evening program of the COVID-19: Facing the Reality Summit on January 26 at the Gum Springs Community Center. Gums Springs is the oldest African American Community in Virginia located in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County.

The standing-room only event featured a panel discussion with Felicea…

"Public health is what we do together as a society to create the conditions under which everyone is healthy. It works best when everyone is engaged."

This quote from Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu encapsulates the spirit of how it is essential for our local community to collaborate in order to create a healthy foundation for all.

In kicking off…

The word “influencer” invokes images of TikTok product reviews and how-to Insta Reels. But a group of local community leaders in the Fairfax Health District are changing the definition of ‘influencer’ as it pertains to public health.

For more than a decade, the Fairfax County Health Department’s outreach team, together with support from its ...

Volunteers Gather at First Baptist Church of Vienna to Coordinate Food Donations and More

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is honored as a “National Day of Service,” encouraging Americans to volunteer. To honor this tradition, First Baptist Church of Vienna welcomed more than 100 people to help local students…

The sun was out yesterday in Annandale as people gathered at Fairmont Gardens to participate in a wide range of public health activities:

The Health Department provided 26 people with flu shots, onboard Fairfax County’s CareVan ...

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It’s the season of giving....

In Fairfax County, more than 81,000 people are experiencing food insecurity.

This year, food donations for the holidays are especially important. Due to inflation, food costs have risen, impacting both consumers and food banks.

The...

You will often see Health Department community health workers at food distribution events across Fairfax County. Community health workers assist at these events while also sharing important health information and resources with the community. Food distribution events provide opportunities for community health workers to meet people where they are, no matter where they are.

Community…

Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of epidemiology and population health at the Fairfax County Health Department, provided a COVID-19 update tolocal community leaders at...

The Reston Community Center hostedtheir annual William Dallas Helm Memorial Homeless Event on October 29. The event, a collaborative between Winnie Burns, event coordinator at Resurrection Baptist Church and a key Health Department partner, brings together local organizations and agencies…

What does health literacy mean to you? This is the question we posed to the leadership of our Stronger2 team here at the Health Department. Anthony Mingo, Olga Carrillo, and Erika Logan-Gales provide their perspective in these mini videos. Watch the series for a quick primer on health literacy.

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Like most of us, the Fairfax County Health Department’s community health workers have been busy this Fall. Over the past month, personnel have represented the agency and presented at dozens of events; sharing information and engaging in important public health conversations.

Community health workers also attended multiple food distribution events. In addition to helping with the…

During the first two weeks of October, each of the five Health Department Clinics welcomed teams ofFairfax County Public School family liaisonsfor tours and Q & A…

As a family liaison at Bailey's Elementary School, Maria Demarest provides assistance, information, and connection to resources for students and their families. But the impact of Maria's work is clear andgoes far beyondwhat may normally be expected from her role.

Maria's dedication to her community is unending and wide-reaching. Throughout her 32 years of working with Fairfax…

On October 1, the Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington hosted a health fair at the Open Door Presbyterian Church in Herndon. At the event, the Health Department provided flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations. Despite it…

In many ways, Annandale resident Mariana Enríquez is like any other Fairfax County mother. She tends to the needs of her two children, ages 10and 11, ensuring they are prepared for school, helping with homework, transporting them to various activities.

Mariana’s role as mother is bigger than just her family, though. Many of the children in her community participate in her ‘arts and…

On September 17, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church brought the community together for their second annual Multicultural Celebration and Health Fair. Attendees spent the afternoon getting connected to community resources, receiving health services, and celebrating culture.

Over 20 agencies and…

The grand opening of the new Sully Community Center in Herndon featured a wide variety of public and community health programs that aim to connect residents to more health and nutrition services.

HealthWorks for Northern…

In all that she does, from her part-time work as a Customer Service Ambassador at Dulles International Airport to her role as a Family Liaison (and everything in between), Fanny Laske-Salazar is helping others. And the impact of her actions is substantial.

"Fanny works selflessly for the benefit of the community. She started as a community leader after seeing the need to voice…

On September 9, the Northern Virginia Coalition for Refugee Wellness held their 6th Annual Conference and Roundtable at the Fairfax County Government Center. During this event, community partners, refugee leaders, and stakeholders gathered for a day of networking, sharing, and learning about local refugee…

On September 10, Afghan Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to welcoming and supporting the Afghan community in the United States, hosted anevent to celebrate Afghan Independence Day.

Since last year, more than 70,000 people were evacuated from Afghanistan and over 12,000 evacuees came to the Northern Virginia area. "In Afghanistan,…

Spotlight on: Patricia Moreno, public health champion in communities across Fairfax for 20+ years

When most people think of public health, they may conjure images of doctors and nurses or vials of vaccine.

But in reality, the core - or, the heartbeat - of public health is more likely to be found in neighborhoods and community events around Fairfax County, embodied within…

On September 15, Fairfax County Health Department epidemiologist Dr. René F. Najera gave a presentation at the National Vaccine Law Conference on the history of vaccines with a focus on those forgotten by history who contributed to their development.

Here are just a few of the people he highlighted.

In the early 1700s,…

Engaging in meaningful conversations is an important part of bringing public health to the community. That is why in addition to providing information and resources, the Health Department's community health workers take time to talk with people, not just to them. That is why our team is on the scene each day at locations across the community, getting to know people and addressing their…

Collaboration between community partners, -- Boat People SOS (BPSOS) and ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) -- Giant Pharmacy, who was the anchor vaccinator for the event, and the Fairfax County Health Departmentled to a successful COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Eden Center on July 30th. During this event,…

School is back in session!

Over the past couple of weeks back-to-school events have been happening across Fairfax. Members of the Health Department have been attending these events to provide students and their families with the things they need to have a healthy school year.

Community health workersand members of the outreach team set up tables at these…

The Fairfax Food Council estimates that the number of residents who are food insecure has doubled since the pandemic. Food distribution events like those held by the Legal Aid Justice Center with Food For Others on July 21 in Annandale…

It’s summer, which means the farmers markets are in full swing. Fairfax County Farmers Markets aim to make healthy food accessible, support local food production and vendors, and protect the environment through the promotion of sustainable farming.

Part of making these things accessible is addressing that buying from smaller vendors can often be more expensive than buying from…

The Fairfax County Health Department joined in many of the National Night Out celebrations occurring around the area the evening of August 2, 2022. The annual neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention event brings together community members and partners during the evening with special activities for families. Here is a recap of public health activities during National Night…

In April of 2021, Nery Ayala, manager of Megamart in Alexandria, reached out to the Fairfax County Health Department in search of COVID-19 vaccine resources for his employees. Mr. Ayala's employees, as well as members of the community that shop at his store did not have easy access to vaccine and some were concerned about its safety.

To address this, Megamart sponsored 4…

The Fairfax County Health Department is conducting a series of Facebook Live conversations highlighting fathers from different cultures and how they are modeling health behaviors for their children and future generations. In each conversation, fathers will explain how they foster healthy habits in all four pillars of health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

"Fathering and…

Even on the hottest summer days, community health workers were outside. Equipped with sunglasses, water, and loads of sunscreen, they attended community celebrations, food distribution events, and farmers markets, bringing health conversations and resources to the people of Fairfax.

Community health workers attended community celebrations for Juneteenth. They spoke to attendees about…

When addressing the health of the public, assessing the needs of communities and tailoring care to fit those needs is essential. That's why, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fairfax County Health Department has worked with businesses, organizations, and multiple partners to bring COVID-19 vaccine into the community.

In April of 2022, Binbin Yang, Community Health Specialist…

School might be finished for the summer, but now is the time for children to get caught-up on their immunizations. Parents, delaying immunizations puts your child in jeopardy of starting school in August. Pediatricians and health clinics get increasingly busy with back-to-school appointments as summer days roll forward, so now is the time to take action and get children…

Stronger2 – a community initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, African and Hispanic communities – launched a new website, stronger2.org.
This new digital home is a place for the community to connect with Stronger2 events, programs and partners. Visitors can also view data on Stronger2’s…

Vaccine clinic promotion and helping people sign up to get vaccinated are two very important roles for Fairfax County Health Department's community health workers. During the week of May 23rd, community health workers conducted outreach across Fairfax, informing communities about upcoming clinics, registering people for vaccinations, providing resources, and answering…

For Jasmine Spriggs, transitioning from the hospital setting to public health nursing meant getting to spend more time with patients, providing education and caring for their whole health instead of the acute issue. While the time spent with patients feels more valuable for Jasmine, it hasn’t come at the expense of her own time, as being a clinic nurse allows for a better work-life balance. “As…

In observance of May as Mental Health Month, the Fairfax County Health Department held weekly community conversations highlighting important mental health topics each Wednesday in May.

“We wanted to begin some conversations with our community and to spotlight important issues and resources,” said Lucy Caldwell, Communications Director at the Fairfax County Health Department, and…

Improving health in Fairfax requires collaboration at all levels, from government agencies and schools to community groups and individuals.

This month the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax, a coalition of community members and…

High temperatures did not stop the community health workers from bringing health information and conversations to the people of Fairfax, wherever they may be.

Community health workers attended events at three elementary schools, assisting at COVID-19 vaccine clinics, helping students and parents sign up…

Rain or shine, community health workers spent the first two weeks of May at shopping centers, schools, libraries, and food distribution events across Fairfax, bringing health conversations to the people.

Public health nursing is a calling. Fairfax County public health nurses Natalia Giscombe-Simons and Alysia G. Parker-Stephens share their inspiration to be nurses. Watch their stories and those of other public health nurses serving our community.

In recent weeks the Fairfax County Health Department has hosted Facebook Lives in honor of Earth Day and Public Health Lab Week. 

Culmore Community Day, a yearly celebration of the cultural diversity in Fairfax.

"The best way to positively impact your community is to work within your community," Javier Alarcon-Ramos, Family Assistance Supervisor, Fairfax County Health Department.

Family assistance workers are public health staff members who connect those who utilize Health Department clinics and other health services with the resources they need. In short, this team serves asthe…

When Hybla Valley Elementary School closed due to COVID-19, family liaison, Ana Amelunge, knew something had to be done to ensure students and their families were taken care of. During a Facebook Live conversation, Ana explains how collaboration among community members helped save lives.

Public health isn't just about physical wellbeing. Mental wellbeing is just as important. That's why the most recent Real Talk at Perfections Barber Shop focused on Black identity and mental health.

When a mother of four came to the vaccine clinic for her booster and one of her children's first dose, the child was hesitant to get vaccinated. Hirrah Sheikh, a Community Health Worker stepped in to help.

In order to bring health to the community, we meet people where they are. Zubair Saeed and Mohammad Qureshi, two outreach specialists have formed close relationships with local mosques.

Project leader Anthony Mingo sits down with Tilly Blanding to discuss the Stronger2 initiative and how it is promoting health literacy within communities of color.

In the local Black community, barbershops are historical places where people come together to talk. This makes them the perfect place for talking about health.

The Villages program enables them to do so. Volunteers within the community provide a variety of services, including transportation, assistance with household tasks and management, and companionship.

Fairfax County's Adult Day Health Care service is reopening its doors after having service suspended due to the pandemic for more than a year.

Adult Day Health Care participants and friends enjoyed a drive through carnival experience.

They have been separated for six months. But, recently, Adult Day Health Care participants (and BFFs) Barbie and Catherine were reunited.

The participants in the county’s Adult Day Health Care program may not have been able to enjoy one another’s company in person recently, but programming has continued virtually during the past few months.

“We knew that we needed to do what we could to keep our participants connected,” said Ingrid Parkhurst, center nurse coordinator, Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care. “So, we…

Welcome Marlese Clifton, the latest leadership addition to Adult Day Health Care

Many caregivers are so busy with their day-to-day that it is difficult to find the time to do anything other than the task in front of them. But, caregivers: you should really reconsider their priority and get them completed asap.

Fairfax County Health and Human Services recognized Adult Day Health Care for its notable program accomplishments during the 2018 fiscal year.

The Health and Human Services System is a network of county agencies and community partners that support the well-being of all who live,…

Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Stay home when sick. These are the basics of flu prevention, and you probably learned them in preschool.

Destiny Fritz has worked with older adults most of her career as a recreational therapist. During a recent sit-down with the County Conversation podcast, she shared tips for caregivers about making holidays merry and bright.

The Adult Day Health Care team shares their personal stories about what being a caregiver means to them, how they came into the profession, and the joy they take home each day.

Flu season is upon us. Here is what older adult should know about flu risks.

Strengthening muscles and improving flexibility can help reduce fall risk. This video provides a sampler of seated exercises completed daily by Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care participants.

Tips for caregivers on how to help their loved one with safe walker usage.

Nursing gerontologist Leah Freij provides tips for caregivers on how to prevent falls and stay healthy.

Do you know the five steps for taking safe steps with a walker? In this infographic, a nurse with gerontology experience walks you through all of the do's and dont's.

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in older adults. Learn about fall risk, and what you can do to assess your loved one.

Are you worried that your loved one might be a fall risk? This quiz can help you evaluate their needs. If you answer "yes" to four or more questions, please contact your primary care provider and request an assessment by a physical therapist to prevent falls.If you wish to learn more about our center activities,please contact us at+1 (703) 246-8743 TTY 711 for…

Barbie and Catherine are participants in Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care. They have a special friendship that includes lots of laughter, caring, and a love of their native Boston. Friendships are important to health, especially as we age. Watch their story:

Loneliness is a serious health topic. Being lonely can lead to illness and exacerbate pre-existing health issues. In this article, we talk about how to identify and treat loneliness in older adults.

Arlene Williams, a program assistant at our Lewinsville Center, submitted her original game, the “Lucky Eight Game,” to a contest at the magazine – and won. The Lucky Eight Game helps engage the decision making and math skills of participants, and also gets them talking, laughing and enjoying one another’s company.

The new location of Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care is officially open. We invite the entire community to stop by to see our new facility. Located at 1611 Great Falls Street in McLean, the building is nestled in a residential neighborhood. Caregivers who live or work in the McLean, Tyson's, Vienna and Falls Church areas have a state-of-the-art resource for their loved ones who require daytime…

A new analysis of Medicare data reveals a need for coverage of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), or benefits that help a person with activities of daily living.

Village Drive Village in Fairfax is a neighborhood corporation dedicated to helping retirees stay in their homes as they age. After ten months of hard work, the Village Drive Village is working to help neighbors who feel isolated and alone, and with the regular small tasks of home and yard maintenance which can become…

Recently widowed, an older woman is up on a ladder changing a smoke alarm battery and realizes that if she falls she has no one to help her, she doesn’t know her neighbors anymore, even though her husband was president of their now inactive neighborhood association. So, she joins a Village, and is so appreciative thatshe writes a beautiful testimonial about its importance in her…

Mark your calendars! Fairfax County is hosting several big events this April for adults 50+.

February is Black History Month, and Adult Day Health Care participant Bertha recalls what growing up as part of a sharecropping community taught her about life and community.

Fairfax County, together with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, are conducting a survey of adults ages 50 and older. The survey will measure local perspectives on aging, and data will be used to inform planning in the region. Here is what you need to know.

Volunteering has been Penny's way since she was a child. She continues volunteering today with the Herndon Village Network.

The new Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care is slated to open in Spring 2019. Here's a construction update.

Let’s face it: getting older is expensive.

Even the best savers can find themselves ill prepared to pay for everything that comes with aging, such as health care, housing and transportation.

When you’re a caregiver, you also assume the role of "banker" and need to figure out how to pay the bills associated the care your loved one requires. Our Adult Day Health Care team has…

The holidays can be stressful for even the average, healthy adult. But for dementia sufferers, it is even more intense. Here are caregiver tips for curating a peaceful holiday for their loved ones.

Music and Memory is a therapeutic music-focused program that brings joy to participants of Adult Day Health Care.

An Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam shares his favorite musical memories.

Medication management for older adults does not need to be complicated. Here are some simple techniques for documenting and organizing your loved one's prescriptions.

Opioid abuse knows no age limit. The Health Department's director of epidemiology Dr. Ben Schwartz outlines the risks for abuse among older adults, and what you can do to stay off the pathway to addiction.

It's affordable. You can age in place, get more sleep and share more laughter. These are some of the many ways Adult Day Health Care makes a positive community impact.

The week of September 17 is Falls Prevention Week. Find out what special programs are occurring across Fairfax County.

Fairfax's Community Services Board offers programs and resources to improve the mental health of older adults.

Caregivers, be prepared if disaster strikes. Here is what you need to know from the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management.

Fall prevention requires more than good shoes and flat surfaces. Modern fall prevention programs incorporate standing exercises and strength training, and they promote flexibility.

There are currently three active West Nile Virus cases in Fairfax County. The Health Department's insect biologists share what you need to know to prevent mosquito bites.

Vaccines must be part of your health care regimen no matter your age. Caregivers and their loved ones alike need to ensure they are vaccinated. Caregivers cannot afford to be sick, and older adults can be at risk for serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases.

We all need to stay hydrated during the summer. But regular water drinking is particularly important to older adults — especially those who suffer from dementia. Here is what you need to know to help keep your loved one hydrated, happy and healthy this summer.

Caregiving is a journey that can feel isolating. Through his participation in Adult Day Health Care, Darcy was able to create a caregiving team for her dad, Jerry. Here is their family's story.

Health care needs go well beyond the medical chart. Adult Day Health Care takes a holistic approach to providing care to its participants, taking into account their spiritual needs, emotional health, likes and dislikes, hobbies, past lives and more.

Adult Day Health Care is one of the most affordable options for adults who need daytime assistance.

The words dementia and Alzheimer’s have very different definitions but are frequently misused. Knowing the difference helps get affected people on the right medical track.

June is Alzheimer’s and BrainAwareness Month. About one in five of the participants in our Adult Day Health Care service currently has an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and many others suffer from various forms of dementia.…

A heart surgery left Bob with vascular dementia. But the progression of the condition has slowed — and his participation in Adult Day Health Care has helped.

Nancy was initially reluctant to transition her father from the Herndon Senior Center to the adjoining Adult Day Health Care Center. But her concerns went away quickly as he immediately thrived in his new surroundings.

Is your loved one moving from a Fairfax County Senior Center to Adult Day Health Care? Get tips for a smooth transition.

Is it time to move your loved one from the Senior Center to a higher level of daily health care? Here are some tips for transitioning.

An awesome thing about aging in Fairfax County is the abundance of opportunities and resources for seniors — even as we get older and start needing more assistance. The Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care work closely together on the continuum of senior care. Here's a guide to help you assess which is right for your family.

A volunteer reflects on the experience of giving purpose to others and how it feels good to be needed.

Kevin enjoyed a lifelong career in politics. And it was his sense in giving back that the Adult Day Health Care staff tapped into to acclimate him to a new routine.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and Adult Day Health Care is fortunate to have an amazing group of people who contribute their time to our service. Read their stories.

Fairfax County resident Diane shares her story about her family's use of Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care, and how the Center helped reignite her elderly mother's passion for life.

When do you know it's time to consider transitioning your loved one to receiving more daily care from a professional? Six questions to ask.

Sendu Feyssa strives to make a difference every day as a program assistant at Lincolnia Adult Day Health Care. That's why she was named the 2018 Employee of the Year. Read her story.

Fairfax County Health Department will open a new Adult Day Health Care Center in Lewinsville in 2019. Conveniently located on a quiet street in residential McLean, the facility is “multigenerational” and will also house a senior center, senior housing and a children’s daycare. Get a preview of the new location.

​No one plans to be a caregiver. But each day, people with school-age children of their own need to rise to the task of caring for a parent or another adult relative.

Many people with dementia crave sweets. Find out what you can do to curb the cravings and calories associated with sweets.

February is Heart Month! There are many ways to keep your heart healthy, and dancing is one. For participants in Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care, dancing is about more than exercise. It also flexes cognitive muscles and provides social stimulation.

Martha Armstrong has cared for hundreds of older adults during her career as a recreational therapist. But Winnie Spencer and Geneva Walker are two program participants who will always remain close to her heart.

Dementia can bubble under the surface — but only for so long. Gerontology nursing specialist Jennifer Robinson discusses the benefits of early intervention for dementia and highlights resources available to families.

Adult Day Health Care staff Isabel Castillejo and Leah Freij discuss ways to keep the holiday season stress-free and engaging for your loved one with simple at-home activities and calming techniques.

Center Nurse Coordinator Ingrid Parkhurst discusses the benefits of the Adult Day Health Care program on the County Conversation podcast.

A list of 101 activities to keep older adults with cognitive or physical impairments engaged and moving this holiday season.

Get advice from Adult Day Health Care's dementia care experts on planning a calm and meaningful holiday season.

Caregiver Darcy Franz talks about the stresses and joys of being the primary caregiver for both her 3-year-old son and aging father and how Adult Day Health Care benefits her life.

Adult Day Health Care participants enjoy a day out to see Santa at Fair Oaks Mall and have lunch at Brio.

You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself first. But the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for someone with a cognitive impairment like dementia takes its toll. Read what science says about reducing caregiver stress.

Curious to see what happens at Adult Day Health Care centers? Watch this video.