“If we aren’t doing anything for these kids, then coming to the barbershop and talking is a waste of time.”
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 its first two weeks, over 82,000 pounds of food have been shared with more than 8,400 customers; figures that underscore the deep need to address food insecurity during the trend of rising costs for local families.
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.
"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.
Volunteers Gather at First Baptist Church of Vienna to Coordinate Food Donations and More
The sun was out yesterday in Annandale as people gathered at Fairmont Gardens to participate in a wide range of public health activities:
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.
In many ways, Annandale resident Mariana Enríquez is like any other Fairfax County mother. She tends to the needs of her two children, ages 10 and 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 crafts’ after school program on Mondays.
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 Out:
