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 Meyer-DeLoatch, President and CEO of The Growth & Healing Hub, along with Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Director of Epidemiology and Population Health and Anthony J. Mingo, Sr., Director of Community Health Development at the Fairfax County Health Department.

Moderator Brandon Grueso, Virginia Outreach Coordinator at the Young Invincibles, asked the panelists questions from community members about how COVID-19 affected youth and the community over the past few years, strategies for coping, and important COVID-19 updates. Attendees were also actively engaged throughout the discussion, asking questions and sharing their own experiences from the pandemic.

Participants recognized that the pandemic has affected most people emotionally, often affecting relationships with family and friends, as well as having physical impacts, particularly among those who suffer ongoing symptoms from long-COVID. Ms. Meyer-DeLoatch and Mr. Mingo shared strategies for navigating these challenges. At the center of these discussions, attendees were encouraged to focus on loving and honoring themselves and others, being truthful about the reality of their own situations, and communicating with others while openly and actively listening.

“Speak in truth and love.” – Felicea Meyer-DeLoatch

Dr. Schwartz shared the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines and an update on the effects of changes in the virus as new variants emerge. He encouraged attendees to continue to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19, while balancing this with getting back toward normal activities and supporting our mental health. As it is likely that COVID-19 will continue cause illness and outbreaks each year, similar to flu, he recommended attendees think about what it is they want to do and then what they can do to stay safe while enjoying those activities. Actions like staying up to date on vaccines remains critical, along with staying home and testing when sick, and in crowded settings considering wearing a mask – even if others don’t.

This evening session followed the COVID-19: Facing the Reality Youth Summit: What do You-th feel?. The brothers of Psi Alpha Alpha (PAA) Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. came out to Gum Springs Community Center in support of Gum Springs area school-aged children and teens. The brothers encouraged young people to develop healthy coping mechanisms through the stress and losses of COVID-19 and provided them with guidance and tips on how to do this.

The group helped the children make stress balls and facilitated experiential learning circles. The young people were able to talk through their emotions and feelings about COVID-19 with a licensed clinical social worker. Everyone was delighted to receive boxed lunches, compliments of PAA.

The COVID-19: Facing the Reality Summit was supported by the Stronger² partnership, the New Gum Springs Civic Association, Young Invincibles, The Growth & Healing Hub, Kappa Alpha Psi Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Psi Alpha Alpha chapter, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, and the Fairfax County Health Department.