Three Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting today.

The annual Live Healthy Fairfax Awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations across the Fairfax Health District. Their goals and projects align with the goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), specifically in the areas of Behavioral Health, Healthy Eating/Fairfax Food Council, and Healthy Environment and Active Living.

Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia, Behavioral Health Award

The mission of Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Northern Virginia is to inspire girls, of all abilities, to recognize their inner strength and form meaningful connections with others. Through the guidance of trained volunteer coaches, the program uses physical activity and dynamic discussions to help girls build social, emotional, and physical skills while also encouraging healthy habits for life. GOTR hosts research-based programs that foster positive effects of physical activity. Their programs also discuss and address topics such as negative self-talk, and poor self-esteem, which are often detrimental to mental health. The program reaches girls at a crucial age, combating the societal pressures that often tell them “They can’t” by empowering them to believe “they can.”

Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia believes that all girls deserve the opportunity to experience this transformational program, regardless of their socioeconomic status. In 2024, over 40% of participants received program scholarships. The organization also responded to concerns from coaches about some girls lacking the energy to fully engage in practice due to not having enough food to eat. In response, Girls on the Run formed vital partnerships with local food banks to provide nutritious snacks. Additionally, the organization ensures that participants have access to athletic shoes and clothing when needed, supporting full participation in the program.

“It’s a great opportunity to not only connect with youth in your community, but to have a far-reaching impact on young girls. They’re so impressionable at this juncture and this program provides them with an outlet for energy and confusing emotions and helps them build positive relationships with themselves and others.” ~ Volunteer Girls on the Run Coach

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church Ken Jackson Food Pantry, Healthy Eating/Fairfax Food Council Team Award

The St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church Ken Jackson Food Pantry (KJFP) serves as a vital food distribution program and serves roughly 80 household per week. The KJFP offers a wide range of non-perishable and, when available, perishable items that are stored in large refrigerators and freezers. Their bi-weekly distributions—held at varied times to accommodate different schedules—ensure that the community has access to nutritious food. In addition to providing food, the KJFP provides diapers, feminine hygiene products, and connects individuals with vital community resources, including health information and clothing assistance.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church efforts include dozens of volunteers and participates in the Power Pack Program (P3), which provides packages of food in backpacks to students at Weyanoke Elementary and Holmes Middle Schools.

“The Ken Jackson Food Pantry has the philosophy of when you give back, more is given back to you. This has been evident in observing that no matter how low the food pantry may be, there is always enough food for all the people who arrive twice a week to receive food and for the children of Weyanoke Elementary School. This impact on the community is amazing and will continue for as long as there is a need."

Juana Cruz Martinez, Healthy Environment and Active Living Award

Juana Cruz Martinez is deeply committed to improving the health of Fairfax residents, particularly in underserved communities, through her leadership and tireless efforts to promote a healthy environment and active living. Ms. Martinez serves as Co-Chair of the Community + Health Work Group, where she strongly advocates navigating and eliminating barriers to healthcare access for all individuals and families.

She worked tirelessly to lead efforts that created a community garden at Hybla Valley Community Center, which provided fresh produce as well as opportunities for community engagement. Ms. Cruz Martinez also collaborates with initiatives like mindfulness session groups to further promote active lifestyles, helping to organize community health fairs, a cross-collaborative diabetes health fair, workshops, and public safety meetings. She meets topics and engages residents on critical issues including substance use and gang violence, always connecting residents with information and resources to help.

“Juana’s dedication to inclusivity, innovative practices, and sustainability has made a lasting impact, embodying the values of the Live Healthy Fairfax Award.”

Congratulations to all Live Healthy Award winners!

The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax is a coalition of community members and organizations working together to explore new approaches for addressing the social determinants of health and other critical public health issues. Learn more about what you can do to get involved by visiting Live Healthy Fairfax.