Since 1973, the Health Care Advisory Board (HCAB), has served a vital role in assisting the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) in developing health policy and advising the BOS on health and health-related issues which may impact county residents. Today, 50 years later, the HCAB continues to promote the availability and accessibility of quality, cost-effective health care within the county.

Chairman of the HCAB, Marlene Blum, notes that the work has been “challenging, interesting, substantive, and varied, and that members have been, and continue to be, a diverse group of county residents who consider it a privilege to protect the health and safety of the community.”

“… The Health Care Advisory Board members have had the opportunity to work with supportive, committed, and pioneering Board of Supervisors, outstanding county staff, dedicated health care providers in the private sector, hardworking members of other county board authorities and commissions, and remarkable community advocates and leaders,” noted Mrs. Blum during the recognition reception held at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Gerald E. Connolly, Congressman for Virginia’s 11th District and past Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, served as keynote speaker. He noted how much public health has changed, not only during the past 50 years, but in particular the last few years. “The pandemic underscores how important it was in Fairfax to have the Health Care Advisory Board, which has been a part of the local health department for 50 years.”

Congressman Connolly entered a certificate into the Congressional Record to memorialize the HCAB’s 50-year anniversary and presented Mrs. Blum with a copy of the certificate.

“Fairfax County’s vibrant civic life was built on individuals who dedicated themselves because they cared,” said Congressman Connolly as he described the contributions of HCAB members. “They don’t get paid for it, but they built this community… Thank you.”

Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of Health for the Fairfax County Health Department, highlighted some of the HCAB’s recent initiatives, including supporting the creation of the Epidemiology and Population Health Division and their long-standing advocacy of school nurses to enhance the agency’s school health program.

“This growth has ensured the robust response to outbreaks and to limiting the spread of infections and disease in our communities,” said Dr. Gloria. “Our ability to rapidly gather, process and use data to inform our work was instrumental in shaping the department’s successful response to COVID.”

The Board of Supervisors recognized the work of the HCAB with a Resolution honoring its 50-year history. Board members noted the HCAB’s many accomplishments, including their role in establishing smoke-free workplaces and restaurants, advocating for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and their work in addressing the needs of the community’s medically fragile and homeless populations, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and students.

Members of the HCAB are appointed for 4-year terms by the Board of Supervisors, representing each district. In addition, two at large health care providers are appointed by the Chairman. For more information about the Health Care Advisory Board, visit: Fairfax County Health Care Advisory Board.