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.
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:
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.
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 health topics, handed out flyers, and of course partook in some of the fun.
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.
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 immunized.
Stronger2 – a community initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, African and Hispanic communities – launched a new website, stronger2.org.
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 questions.
