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Lucy H. Caldwell
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Phone: 703-246-8635
Email: Lucy.Caldwell@Fairfaxcounty.gov
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Written by Liza Sabine and Josh Smith
Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases that make people sick – and bites can happen anywhere, including your own backyard. Experts predict that warmer, wetter conditions brought on by climate change could make these pests and thepathogens they transmit more common.(See CDC's...
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Tuesday, August 12. The confirmed case is a resident of another state. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially…
Applications are now open for the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program's Fall 2025 cohort.
The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) trains 10th through 12th grade high school students across Fairfax County about methods to reduce opioid use, teen mental health issues, and becoming a…
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and with World Breastfeeding Week observed August 1 through August 7, now is the perfect time to explore the powerful benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers. Far from being merely a lifestyle choice, breastfeeding is a powerful investment in lifelong health.
"Breastfeeding offers a foundational start to life that no…
The Fairfax County Health Department’s back-to-school immunization clinics begin Friday, August 1 from 1-4 pm at the Joseph Willard Health Center and Mount Vernon District Office clinics. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome. See all back-to-school clinic dates, times, and locations in the table below.
Dates and…Starting this October, the Fairfax County Health Department District Office locations will be named “Public Health Centers.” The name change coincides with the Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center opening on October 7, 2025. Once this new location…
As temperatures rise, so do the risks for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are especially at risk, but extreme heat can affect anyone. Knowing how to prepare, spot the warning signs, and take action can help you stay safe.
Fairfax…
Over the last two months, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking emergency care for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), especially involving young children, ages 0 to 4-year-olds in Fairfax County. HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years old. There have been six outbreaks of HFMD reported in the Fairfax County Health…
Are you a family caregiver for an older adult, or an adult or child with a disability, with a serious health condition? Fairfax County offers resources to help family members or friends who provide care and assistance to a loved one due to an illness, injury…
From the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging parents and caregivers to take thePool Safely Pledge(en Español) as the Commonwealth continues to see a concerning rise in…
Lyme disease is the most reported tick-borne disease in the Fairfax area. In 2025, 80* cases of Lyme disease have been reported in the Fairfax Health District so far. In a voluntary survey provided to individuals with confirmed cases of tickborne diseases, only 23% reported finding a tick attached or on them prior to…
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1, and experts are predicting an active season with about 13-19 named storms expected. Hurricanes and tropical storms can pose serious risks to your health, from…
School is out, days are warm, and summer is here. Make the most of it with these six reminders for a healthy and safe summer.
Fight the Bite
Mosquitoes and ticks can ruin outdoor fun. Their bites are more than annoying — sometimes they transmit diseases. West Nile virus and Lyme disease are two of the vector-borne…
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified ofa confirmed case of measlesat Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including…
Our furry, feathered, and four-legged companions are part of our families. Just like people, pets can be vulnerable during disasters. Planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping them safe and healthy.
1. Plan Ahead for Service Animals
If you handle a service animal, their well-being is crucial to your own well-being and safety. Here are a few things to…
As Pride Month fills the air with celebration and advocacy, it's a timely moment to recognize those who work tirelessly year-round to improve the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Among them is Mark O'Neil, a Community Health Specialist for the Health Department, whose work focuses on developing relationships with the LGBTQ+ community in Fairfax County.
Mark's…
As the 2024-25 school year ends and summer begins, it's a great time for children to get up to date on their immunizations. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment for their child now with their healthcare provider to avoid the last-minute rush before the 2025-26 school year starts.
Immunizations are the most effective way to protect your child from serious illness and…
Today, we spotlight our Environmental Health Specialist, Andy Lima, who has spent over 11 years perfecting the science of mosquito source elimination in Fairfax County yards and properties.
When residents find themselves unable to enjoy their outdoor spaces due to mosquito problems, Andy steps in with detective-like precision. He…
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport and the Washington Area Metro on Sunday, June 8. The confirmed…
Rachel, a senior environmental specialist, focuses on larval mosquito surveillance, which incorporates over 1,400 county-maintained stormwater facilities (which are structures designed to control rainwater runoff). When these structures malfunction, they can become a home for thousands of mosquitoes. Fortunately, Rachel and her colleagues can step in with…
In the midst of day-to-day life, men's health can be, and often is, overlooked. As we recognize and honor dads across the country this Father's Day weekend, take time to focus on men's health with some important conversations and reminders.Here are five easy things you can talk about:
Preventive care is key: Men die an average of ...
Today the spotlight shines on Environmental Health Supervisor Joshua Smith, who has dedicated over 17 years to researching, handling, and educating the community on issues surrounding disease-carrying insects in Fairfax County.
As the supervisor of the County’s Disease Carrying Insects Program, Josh combines investigative work with public health science. Each day, Josh and his team…
Take pride in your health.
From May to October, for the past decade, Environmental Health Specialist Tilde Hoff has been setting roughly 4,000 mosquito traps across 75 locations throughout the county.
"I love the variety of work that goes into mosquito trapping, it's never a dull day! I love diving into the mechanics of the broken traps to figure out the issues."
Her daily…
The Fairfax County Health Department hosted a graduation ceremony on May 31 to honor 151 local high school students who completed the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP).
PHYAP is a free initiative that equips students in grades 10 through 12 with vital knowledge and skills in public health, including opioid use prevention, teen mental health support, and community health…
June is Pride Month, and the Fairfax County Health Department encourages all residents to take pride in their health and wellness. Taking pride in your health means making decisions that benefit not only yourself but also your family, loved ones, and greater community.
This month, everyone is invited to explore the health resources available to everyone in Fairfax County. Services…
The Fairfax County Health Department has begun offering walk-in hours for certain clinic services on select days at all five clinic locations. Residents who are in need of immunizations, pregnancy testing, maternity intake services or Tuberculosis (TB) testing can get same day service without an appointment. In addition, the Health Department is setting aside 2 hours daily for residents who…
Seventeen Health Department Youth Ambassadors traveled to Georgetown University to present their community health projects to faculty members of the School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine. This event was the final competition for students from Justice, John Lewis, and Mount Vernon High Schools who participated in the Youth Ambassador program in either the fall or spring…
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,…
During National Nurses Month, we honor the heart, dedication, and quiet heroism of nurses across the country. This edition of Profiles in Public Health recognizes someone whose journey into nursing began with compassion at home and has grown into a 30-year career of extraordinary service—the Health Department’s Nurse of the Year, Julie Smith.
From her earliest memories,…
Each May, National Nurses Month provides an important opportunity to recognize and honor the critical contributions nurses make to our healthcare system and communities. Established to highlight the essential role of nursing professionals across all settings, this month-long observance acknowledges the expertise, leadership, and dedication that nurses bring to their work — shaping…
As warmer weather returns, so do mosquitoes and ticks — and with them, the risk of several serious illnesses. The Fairfax County Health Department joins other public health agencies in urging the public to take extra precautions this spring and summer to avoid bites and protect themselves and their families from illnesses spread by ticks, mosquitoes and other pests.
Staff…
Eleven county agencies and local nonprofit organizations gathered at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy on Saturday for the annual Unified Response Day. Representing the Health Department at the event were Jody Gamber from the Emergency Preparedness and Response division, and Peggy Plunkett, a Medical Response Corps volunteer. Together they spoke with attendees on the importance of…
To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other organizations in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May.
Throughout the month, trained personnel from the Health Department's Speech and Hearing program will present…
The fourth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day takes place this year on April 29, 2025. Fentanyl Awareness Day is observed to help inform communities like ours about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl.Across all ages, almost all (95%) fatal opioid overdoses have involved fentanyl since 2020 in the Fairfax Health District.
Illegal fentanyl is dangerous, but there are steps you…
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state's first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To…
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state's first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To…
R.I.S.E., which stands for Reading Intervention & Support for Excellence, is an intensive summer reading skills program offered by the Fairfax County Health Department's Speech and Hearing therapists. The R.I.S.E. program helps school-age children ages 5–21 develop language and reading skills. This multisensory, research-backed program builds essential skills in reading,…
Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet nearlyhalf a million U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lead is toxic to everyone, especially young…
Fairfax Health District's Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program has been awarded the 2025 Virginia EPIC Engage Award— a statewide recognition that celebrates excellence and innovation in volunteer engagement.
Presented by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the EPIC Award— which stands for Engage, Partner,…
Oropouche and Dengue Updates
If you are traveling internationally this Spring Break, take care to avoid diseases carried by insects. Before you travel, it is important to remember to prevent bug bites and, in some cases, re-consider traveling.
Oropouche is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It is spread through the…
Seventy-four high schoolers enrolled in the Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassadors Program (PHYAP) spent a day at the Inova Fairfax medical campus last week. Students interacted with healthcare professionals, and explored the vast world of career opportunities in the fields of medicine and healthcare. The students attend Justice and Mount Vernon high schools and were…
Each year, National Public Health Week is observed to recognize public health contributions and call attention to issues that are essential to protecting and improving our nation's health. This National Public Health Week, April 7-13, the theme: "It Starts Here!" reminds us that the health of our community starts with each of us making a difference in our…
No Summer Slide! Keep Your Student’s Communication Skills Strong
Summer break is around the corner, but that doesn’t mean progress in speech therapy should pause. The Health Department’s Summer Speech Therapy Program is designed to help school-aged children continue building their communication skills, so they don’t lose momentum during the break.
Speech and language…
As part of National Nutrition Month, Fairfax County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program recently hosted a special event to promote healthy eating and nutrition. Families who visited the Annandale District Office on…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Dr. Barbara Andrino one of its U.S. TB Elimination Champions for 2025. The U.S. TB Elimination Champions Project highlights individuals and organizations making significant contributions to ending tuberculosis (TB) in the United States. The announcement is part of the commemoration of World TB Day.
Dr. Andrino served…
The Joseph Willard Health Center will temporarily close on October 1, 2025, to allow for the construction of the ...
Find updated dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites below.
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The…
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. In the past few months, over 280 people in the United States have become ill with measles and two people have died. This includes a large and growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. In this outbreak, more than 19 of every 20 people who got measles were unvaccinated or did not know…
National Nutrition Month is observed each year in March to help people learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition…
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
From the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The confirmed case was an…
Emergencies can happen anytime, and a basic emergency kit can make all the difference. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend much to prepare. By using what you already have, gathering free supplies, and planning ahead, you can build a kit over time to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
...Original article printed in Fairfax County'sGolden Gazette.
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide. As we age, changes in our hearing can significantly impact our quality of life, yet it often goes undetected and untreated. Understanding the signs of…
What is your role at the Fairfax County Health Department?
I am the Project Coordinator at the Fairfax Food Council. I maintain and forge new partnerships and facilitate collaboration among multi-sector stakeholders and volunteers throughout Fairfax County.
The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) was established by the ...
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that typically spread between birds, not people.
What is happening with bird flu in the U.S. right now?
Avian influenza virus A (H5) virus is spreading among wild birds and causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. There have also been instances of infection in mammals and in rare…
On Feb. 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Health Department welcomed partners from local skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to its annual Skilled Nursing Facility Symposium. This full-day event provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to enhance their infection prevention and control (IPC) skills, exchange best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration.
“The symposium, and…
How did you come to work at the Health Department? How long have you been at the Health Department?
I have been with the Fairfax County Health Department for 4 years, but I have been working with the county for 5 years. After 10-years as a Public Health Analyst in the United States Department of Health and Human Services, I transitioned to local government and have not looked…
Valentine’s Day - the holiday of love and indulging in sugary, sweet treats. Whether you're treating yourself or someone special, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season’s sweetness with nutrition in mind.
5 Facts About Sugar:
Natural Sugars vs. Added Sugars.Not all sugars affect your body in the same way. Naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables come…For Health Department safety analyst Juan Denmark, safety isn’t just his career — it’s a lifelong mission. In his role, he applies decades of military, security, and training experience to protect others.Whether he’s developing policies or training staff, Juan's focus is always on keeping people safe.
“Safety isn’t just a job” for him, he said. “It’s a mindset. It’s a…
Fairfax Health District is experiencing high levels of influenza (flu) illness. From January 26 to February 1, about one in seven (14%) people going to Fairfax emergency department and urgent care centers were diagnosed with flu. Children in Fairfax are especially at risk of flu with about one in four (25-27%) of their visits for flu.
This level of flu activity is higher than what…
February is American Heart Month and it’s a good time to consider healthy habits. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Virginia. Public health and healthcare partners encourage some simple changes to your routine that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Choose healthy meals and snacks.Include fresh fruits and vegetables in…The Fairfax County Health Department is offeringwalk-in testingfor HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at selected times and locations in January, February, and March. Appointments are not required during these specific walk-in testing clinics.
Fees based on services provided and income level.If financial assistance is needed, clients can meet with an assistance…
The application window for the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program's Spring 2025 cohort has been extended. The deadline for submitting completed applications is now 8:00am on Monday, February 3, 2025.
ThePublic Health Youth Ambassador Program(PHYAP)…
Winter weather and extreme cold temperatures have arrived in Fairfax County this week, and it’s important to take precautions to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Ensure your snow days stay fun by taking protective actions --- staying informed, limiting your exposure, and avoiding situations that increase your risk of injury.
1. Stay Informed
Weather…
During its annual meeting in December 2024, the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax elected a new co-chair, welcomed new members to the steering committee, and said good-bye to two dedicated staff members who are retiring. Members also received an update on the progress of compiling the Health Department’s 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
First formed in 2010,…
Key Points:
Norovirus is a virus that spreads very easily and quickly and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. People of all ages can get norovirus. You can help prevent infections by washing your hands, practicing food safety, and taking steps to avoid spreading it to others if you do get sick.Norovirus (sometimes called stomach flu or stomach bug) is a…
Be a local hero in 2025! Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers are on the front lines during emergencies, performing critical tasks like staffing vaccination clinics, shelters, and medication dispensing sites. Whether it’s a natural disaster, public health crisis, or other emergency, your efforts directly impact the…
As 2024 winds down, now is the time to make a plan focused on simple but effective ways to improve your health and wellbeing in the new year. By adopting small, sustainable habits, you can set the tone for a healthier and happier year.
Here are five tips to help you prioritize your health and wellbeing in 2025:
1. Keep up with your regular check-ups and…
In the December 2024 edition of the Golden Gazette, Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Director of Epidemiology and Population Health,Fairfax County Health Department, shared five things that you should know about COVID-19, flu, and RSV immunizations.
1. What are your biggest concerns about cold and flu…
Quitting tobacco is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your health. It’s never too late to quit, quitting at any age will improve the length and quality of your life. Although it’s not easy, with the right tools and support, you can achieve a tobacco-free life. Here are five tips to help you quit tobacco this year:
1. Create a Quit Plan.
A quit plan keeps…
On October 23, the Fairfax County Health Department, Department of Family Services and other county agencies and non-profit organizations and partners, joined together to host a Baby Extravaganza – Free Baby and Maternal Health Expo. New and expectant mothers gathered at the Gerry Hyland Government Center for a morning of education,…
According to the CDC, each year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. That’s one American every 40 seconds. Every year, World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. On this World Stroke Day, we…
Pneumonia Increase Update — November 20, 2024
Fairfax Health District continues to experience elevated rates of diagnosed pneumonia. Visits to emergency departments (ED) and urgent care (UC) centers with diagnosed pneumonia comprised 4.9% of all ED/UC visits for the week of November 10-16. Among ED/UC visits in Fairfax facilities during the week of Nov. 10-16, 9.8% of visits for…Previously, the Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) has only been available to students during the daytime at select FCPS high schools.
However, now, all eligible 10th through 12th grade students who live in Fairfax County…
On Monday, October 7, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 3 notice to reconsider non-essential travel to the Republic of Rwanda due to an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in several parts of the country. MVD is a rare but often fatal hemorrhagic fever for which there is no vaccine or treatment. To date, no confirmed cases of MVD related to this outbreak…
The Fairfax County Health Department has published a new Respiratory Illness Dashboard to help residents stay informed about the prevalence and trends of respiratory viruses in the Fairfax Health District. This tool offers real-time updates and data on various…
World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 to raise awareness on how we can prevent this deadly disease in animals and humans. Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system. The virus can spread to humans and pets through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
Rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal in mammals, including humans. In the United States, rabies…
The School Health Division is pleased to announce the inaugural winner of the new School Health Aide of the Year award for the 2023-24 school year. Implemented this year, the award recognizes an exemplary School Health Aide who has demonstrated excellent health room practices, exceptional customer service, extraordinary teamwork, and contributions linked to the vision, mission, and values…
Although it may feel like summer is winding down, the Health Department urges everyone to prevent mosquito bites while spending time outdoors. The Health Department reminds residents to prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property. Some mosquito bites are just annoying, but others are more than just a nuisance and can cause serious health issues.
The…
We need your help!...
Earlier today, a letter was sent in error to all parents at South Lakes High School indicating that their student had a close contact with an ill person (with pertussis) and that the student should see a healthcare provider for preventive medication as soon as possible.The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has clarified that there have been NO IDENTIFIED close contacts at South Lakes High…
Good nutrition during the first 2 years of life is vital for your child’s healthy growth and development. Human breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
Health organizations recommend breastfeeding (also called chestfeeding) for up to 2 years of age or longer*. Feeding your baby…
There is a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections that includes Virginia and Maryland. The outbreak is associated with meats sliced at deli counters. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.
Due to possible Listeria contamination, Boar's Head Provisions Co. has recalled ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products, including prepackaged…
With the start of the 2024-25 school year right around the corner, it’s time to make sure that your child is up to date on their immunizations.
Before scheduling an appointment to get your child vaccinated, check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. There are multiple options for obtaining your child’s immunization records:
Request immunization…Dengue is an illness that is caused by infection with a dengue virus. It spreads to people from mosquito bites. It is common in many tropical and sub-tropical countries in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Up to 400 million people are infected by a dengue virus each year.
Many countries are reporting a higher number cases of dengue, including a…
On June 7, high school students participating in the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) as well as teens and young adults who are a part of the Stable Families Thriving Futures Program (SFTF) gathered at West Springfield High School in Springfield, VA to celebrate successfully completing their respective programs. Both programs are managed by the Fairfax County Health…
As the 2023-24 school year ends and summer begins, it’s a great time for children to get up to date on their immunizations. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment for their child now with their health care provider to avoid the last-minute rush before the 2024-25 school year starts.
Immunizations are the most effective way to protect your child from serious illness…
Each year, June 27 is recognized as National HIV Testing Day to call attentionto the importance of knowing your status as well as learning about options for HIV prevention and treatment. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that can cause AIDS if it isn’t treated.
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV, is to get tested. This is also true for other a sexually…
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease caused by an influenza (flu) A virus, such as H5N1. Bird flu is contagious and infects poultry (e.g., chickens, turkey, ducks) and other wild birds. H5N1 bird flu is widespread in bird populations and has caused the deaths of millions of birds in the United States. This same H5N1 virus also been identified as recently infecting dairy cattle herds in 9…
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Chronic conditions — like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes — are persistent health conditions that require ongoing management and care. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) empowers those living with chronic disease to care for their physical and mental well-being through education, skills, and…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is proclaiming May Fight the Bite Awareness Month in Fairfax County and encouraging residents to take preventative actions to prevent tick and mosquito bites.
The bite of an infected mosquito or tick can lead to a life-changing illness. West Nile virus and Lyme disease are two of the vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks,…
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
It has been said of Denise Bagayoko, “You are not just a diligent team player but a culinary master with a generous spirit. Your thoughtfulness in taking care of us through the simple act of shared meals has created a sense of community and comfort. You are a priceless addition to our team.” So, if she ever offers to make you…
Maria Stock has made a career of helping families experience healthy pregnancies, deliver healthy babies, and ensure all have opportunities to thrive.Maria is the Maternal Child Health Coordinator for the Fairfax County Health Department dedicated to ensuring maternal and child health services areaccessible to all within our community.
With a focus on researching and implementing best…
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Fresh off a weekend 5K, Savita Sood, was excitedly talking about becoming a grandmother for a second time and looking forward to spending quality time with her 2½ old granddaughter who’s already committed to running with Savita in 2025. For those who know Savita, you know she is committed to her family and living a healthy…
Three Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting last week.
The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrated exemplary leadership and action to improve the…
The third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day takes place this year on May 7, 2024. Fentanyl Awareness Day is observed to help inform communities like ours about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl.
In the Fairfax Health District, emergency department (ED) visits for opioid overdoses rose 33% from 2022 to 2023. Opioid overdose ED visits increased 115% among youth under age 18.…
The Fairfax County Health Department honors Nurses Month as a celebration of the tremendous impact that public health nurses have on wellness in our community. The month-long celebration of the nursing profession allows for many opportunities to appreciate the invaluable contributions of nurses. We are all indebted to nurses for their unwavering commitment to patients, their communities, and…
Updated May 29
To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech, or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other organizations in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May.
This observance provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of human communication and what…
The Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a volunteer program designed to strengthen our public health system, improving health and safety in our community. Since its creation in 2003, the Fairfax MRC has supported the Health Department's daily operations, participated in community…
A sustainable diet refers to a pattern of eating that promotes health and well-being for individuals while at the same time reducing the environmental impact. Eating sustainably can save you money, reduce the amount of food and other resources that are wasted, and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Watch and learn more about food sustainability.
...Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration that highlights the contributions of laboratory professionals. This year’s theme, The Future is Lab, celebrates laboratory professionals who meet today’s…
Each year, National Public Health Week is observed to recognize public health contributions and call attention to issues that are important to improving our nation's health. This National Public Health Week, April 1 -7, the theme: “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving” is centered around the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and the world around us.
Health is more…
National Nutrition Month® is observed each year in March to help people learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Beyond the Table”.
This theme encourages us to think about our health and the environment in our daily food choices. Thinking about food from “farm to…
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax invites you to use your voice to change health and opportunity!
Learn about the health status of the Fairfax Community by participating in a Community Data Walk. Using data from the 2023 Community Health Assessment, we have created a unique opportunity to understand key health concerns and collect feedback for the next ...
If you are traveling this spring, here are three reminders to help you stay healthy while you’re away.
It’s important to be up to date on recommended routine immunizations before you travel, including Flu, RSV and COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated, international travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are not…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated recommendations for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
The CDC revised isolation guidelines for respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, and infections where the cause is not known. New guidance recommends if you become ill with a respiratory virus, stay home and away from others for at least 24…The Fairfax County Health Department Speech and Hearing team is pleased to announce they will host a summer reading program. The program will help school-age children (5 – 21 years), whohave a diagnosis of dyslexiadevelop language and reading skills.
The program begins with participants completing an on-site evaluation in the spring. An ASHA-certified Speech Language Pathologist will…
Each February in the U.S., we recognize Black History Month to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black and African Americans. As we honor the contributions of the past, we also work to advance health equity and foster a healthy community now and in the future.
Health equity is when everyone has an equal opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The Health Department’s…
Over the past several weeks there have been three measles cases confirmed in people living in or traveling through the National Capitol Region. And sadly we are not alone, measles outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world with health officials in many countries reporting large outbreaks.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus. In fact, it is so contagious that if…
The COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard has been updated with a new focus on 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine data.
The CDC currently recommends a single 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine for most people.*Therefore the Fairfax County Health Department will no longer report data…
From the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles in…
Have you heard yourself or someone else saying “I know so many people who are sick right now!”? It would be no surprise, the CDC reports Very High overall respiratory illness activity in Virginia based on healthcare visits for fever and cough or sore throat.
Here are updates about COVID-19, flu, and RSV in our community…
Do you know that you can have a positive impact on the well-being of others in Fairfax County? As we ring in 2024,why not consider making a positive impact on the health and well-being of others in your community?
1. Get involved.
Fairfax County offers a variety of opportunities:
Join a Fairfax Food Council Work Group.The ...It is the time of year when many of us are busy making plans for the holidays. As you prepare, don't forget to include COVID-19 prevention tips on your holiday to-do list.
COVID-19 is still with us and continues to make people sick. Across the US, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on the rise for the past month. Last week alone there were over 22,000 new COVID-19 hospital…
On Monday, December 11th at 7:15 p.m., the Cinema Arts Theater in Fairfax, VA (9650 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22031) will be premiering the award-winning documentaryCommon Ground,a story of the pioneers of the “Regenerative Movement” who are creating a new food system that produces tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food while balancing the climate, healing our bodies, and bringing our…
Different flu viruses circulate each year and the protection you get from vaccination decreases over time. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
We are continuing to see an increase in flu-like illnesses…
Fairfax County Health Department announced today that it has successfully maintained its national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program sets standards against which the nation’s state, local, tribal, and…
Each year World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st. This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.This year’stheme is“World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.”
This year, the Fairfax County Health…
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global event that takes place annually on the third Sunday in November. This year, on November 19, Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets hosted a World Day of Remembrance event at Wakefield High School in Arlington. Fairfax County Health Department staff participated in the event to share new data on the state of pedestrian safety in…
It is the time of year when many friends and family gather to celebrate. Here are two reminders to help make sure you spread joy, not germs this holiday season.
Gatherings, travel, and more time indoors with others are prime opportunities to spread viruses, like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Fortunately, we…
After identifying a rabid raccoon and skunk within a mile of each other over the last 25 days, the Fairfax County Health Department is asking residents in the Centreville/Bull Run area to steer clear of wild animals and to report any animal attacks right away.
The rabid animals were in the western most part of the county near Cub Run Stream Valley Park & Trail, Pleasant Hill Park,…
Since September 2022, the Virginia Department of Health has been investigating a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. As of October 12, there have been 29…
Each year on September 28, World Rabies Day is observed to bring attention to rabies and rabies prevention. Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system. The virus is usually spread through a bite or scratch, but also can be passed along through direct contact with an infected animal’s saliva or central nervous tissue through an open wound, mouth, nose, or…
Last year’s “tripledemic” shined a spotlight on another respiratory illness that adversely affects children under 6 and adults over 65 – Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. And while most children are infected with RSV by the time they turn 2 years old, anyone can become infected with the…
The Fairfax County Health Department is encouraging everyone six months and older to prepare for flu season by getting a flu vaccine and reminding yourself of the steps to take to help avoid flu.
A yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones against flu viruses. Everyone 6 months and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season,…
Updated COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended for everyone 6 months and older by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This follows authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendation by CDC’s immunization advisory panel. These updated vaccines, referred to as the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, were developed to more closely target variants that are currently…
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Fairfax County and encouraging residents to support this cause that impact families in communities across the country.
...As schools resume and summer wanes, the health department is closely watching COVID-19 hospitalization rates and wastewater surveillance to track disease activity in our communities as the new COVID-19 EG.5 variant circulates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EG.5 is the most prevalent variant in the U.S. and accounts for more than 17% of cases…
The Fairfax County Health Department recently commended community partner Pediatric Specialists of Virginia for their contributions in protecting the health of children through their dedicated actions and commitment to immunizations.
Located in Merrifield, Pediatric Specialists of Virginia is being recognized for their participation and collaborative use of the Virginia…
Seeking medical care in another country, practiced by millions of U.S. residents each year, is known as “medical tourism.” Travelers may seek care outside of the U.S. to reduce cost; to be closer to family or in a more familiar language and cultural setting; or to access procedures or therapies that are not currently approved in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
Three county employees were recognized with the A. Heath Onthank Award for Merit, the highest honor awarded by the county to its employees at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 27. Maternal Child Health Compliance Nurse Alisa Brooks and Public Health Nurse Practitioner with the Homeless Health Care program Nathalie Washington were recognized for accomplishments of…
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a skunk found on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail near Balmoral Terrace and Cannon Fort Drive.If you, someone you know, or a pet touched or was bitten or scratched by the animal on or around June 10, 2023, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433, TTY 711.
The rabid skunk was…
44 Fairfax County High Schoolers Onboard to Potential Careers in Public Health
The Fairfax County Health Department, together with Edu-Futuro and Stronger2, honored 44 students from Justice and Mount Vernon High Schools, as they graduated from the ...
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…
The Fairfax County Health Department has updated its online COVID-19 data dashboard following recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 surveillance and reporting.
Due to changes in reporting requirements after the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11,…
With the unofficial start to the summer season upon us, we are sharing some reminders for five healthy habits (in no particular order) that can help you have a healthy and safe summer.
Swimming, and other water-based activities, are fun and healthy ways to be physically active. ...
The Fairfax County Health Department is pleased to announce that the 2023 Nurse of the Year, Nurse Practitioner Nathalie Washington, was recently named Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Northern Virginia Regional Winner. Nathalie is being recognized for organizing 130 COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Fairfax County’s homeless population as well as her contributions to an article on vaccine…
The Fairfax County Health Department is launching a new program to improve the health, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes for local expectant teen and young adult parents. “Stable Families, Thriving Futures,” will provide support to enrollees as they achieve their educational goals, improve confidence as parents, ensure a pathway to economic self-sufficiency and employment, and organize their…
Two Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting today. The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards program recognizes community members whose commitment to health and wellness initiatives go “above and beyond” in the areas of…
As the weather warms and more residents enjoy the outdoors, the Health Department joins with the Board of Supervisors to share information on how everyone can prevent illnesses caused by insects.
Unfortunately, the bite of an infected mosquito or tick can lead to a life-changing illness. West Nile virus and Lyme disease are two of the vector-borne diseases transmitted by…
May 9 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about this potent synthetic opioid.Watch this video and see the infographic below to get thefacts on fentanyl and what you can do to…
The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since early 2020 will end on May 11, 2023. The Public Health Emergency will end because we have made progress in addressing COVID-19 and can transition away from the emergency phase. It does not mean that the virus that causes COVID-19 is no longer a threat.
Public health emergencies allow the government more…
On April 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcedsimplified COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.Today, the ...
The updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now available as a booster dose for children 6 months – 4 years old who completed their primary series of three doses with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Here are two important things for parents to know about this new authorization:
Children 6 months – 4 years old can receive a single booster dose…The opioid crisis had a devastating impact on people of all age groups in recent years and, tragically, infants, too, have not been spared. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a substance use disorder described as a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress that can…
In the Fairfax Health District, C. auris infections are uncommon but with the increases seen in Virginia and nationally, health officials view this drug resistant condition as an expanding and concerning public health threat.
Did you ever think that the design of a restaurant kitchen can make a difference in how safe your dining experience may be? Annette Nicholls knows this. She’s worked in Plan Review at the Fairfax County Health Department for more than 20 years. Annette knows that if a hand sink is placed where employees prepare, cook and serve food, it can impact how often kitchen staff wash their hands – which…
Strep throat is currently spreading in the Fairfax Health District. Data from emergency departments and urgent care centers in the community have shown an increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with strep throat since late January 2023. For the week of March 5-11, there were more visits to ED and urgent care facilities for strep throat than at any time in the past 3 years…
The Fairfax County Health Department has updated their COVID-19 Vaccine Data Dashboard to better align with current vaccine recommendations and new measures reported by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The Fairfax Health District includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
Updates include:
Removed the At Least One Dose measure on all pages…In 1965, Edwyna Wingo was as a field nurse, working clinics and providing health services to students at three elementary schools for the Fairfax County Health Department. Back then, public health nursing centered on teaching new mothers how to care for their babies, assessing young students for possible developmental delays, stopping the spread of communicable diseases, and administering…
Graduates of the Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program were honored on Wednesday, March 1, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health at their headquarters in Rockville, MD.
Admiral Rachel L. Levine, M.D., Assistant…
To increase transparency and community awareness, the Fairfax County Health Department has updated the Opioid Overdoses Dashboard. These changes better inform residents about trends in non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District. The updates…
Seasonal influenzas and COVID-19 aren’t the only viruses present in our communities this winter. Viral gastrointestinal illnesses (such as norovirus), can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, are uncomfortable, communicable (can be spread to others easily) and are on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been ...
On Saturday, Feb. 4,more than 1,000 of community members and organizationsgathered at the Fairfax County Government Center for anofficial recognition ceremony hosted by the Health Departmentand the Board of Supervisors.
...
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and here in Virginia?
Heart disease refers to a series of conditions that affect the heart. Most commonly, we hear about coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls, decreasing blood flow to the heart. Hallmark signs and symptoms of CAD include shortness of…
It’s not “just the flu.” Each year, millions of children get sick, thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu.
Flu vaccines offer the best defense against flu and its potentially serious complications.
Among children ages 0 – 17 years, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in Fairfax remains higher than usual. While…
The Fairfax County Police Departmentannounced thatChronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed for the first time in a white-tailed deer harvested in Fairfax County. To learn more about this and CWD, watch this videoand...
Cervical cancer is a significant threat to the health and well-being of Americans with roughly 13,000 cases diagnosed each year. Cervical cancer can however be prevented with vaccination and screenings.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common a sexually transmitted infection. However, anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer.…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) data on COVID-19 variants, the newest omicron sub-variant, XBB.1.5, continues to become more prevalent and makes up an estimated one-third of COVID-19 infections in the mid-Atlantic region, which includes Virginia.
Based on what is known about the XBB variants, someone who has been infected with an earlier omicron…
The Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, has moved to a MEDIUM COVID-19 community level. Based on the current Medium level, the CDC recommends you take the following actions:
If you are athigh risk of getting very…The Fairfax County Government's NewsCenter has featuredthemap-based food inspection report appthat provides instant access to thousands of inspection reports conducted by the Health Department. ThisGeographic Information Systems tool allows residents to search for inspection reports byusing an interactive…
14 Fairfax County High Schoolers Onboard to Potential Careers in Public Health
The Fairfax County Health Department, together with Edu-Futuro and Stronger2, honored 14 Fairfax County high school students as the inaugural graduates of the ...
Bivalent vaccine for this age group is now available at the Fairfax County Government Center starting Thursday, Dec. 15 through the clinic's closure Saturday, Dec. 17. Following the closure, Fairfax County District Offices will be open for vaccine appointments for this population by calling the Health Department's Call Center at 703-324-7404.
Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines are now…
Annual Meeting: December 7, 2:00 – 4:15 pm
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax's Annual Meeting will be abusiness meeting followed by an educational program featuring Deeply Rooted. The meeting will take place online.
The 2022 annual meeting’s educational program, “Deeply Rooted: How History Connects the Health of Our Community’s Past, Present and Future,” looks at how…
The Virginia Department of Health is sending text and voice message reminders to residents aged 50 and above that they are eligible for COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The text/phone reminder campaign begins on Monday, November 28th in multiple counties across the Commonwealth, including the Fairfax Health District.
Members of this population will only receive a message if records…
During this week of Thanksgiving, the Fairfax County Health Department reflects on the 15-year tenure of its Multicultural Advisory Council and expresses gratitude for the efforts of this grassroots group of volunteers. Council members were honored during a special meeting on November 16 by Fairfax County Health Director, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu.
The Multicultural Advisory Council was…
Northern Virginia Regional Commission news release:
Public Health leaders in the Northern Virginia region…
According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2022 Hunger Report, 41% of Fairfax County households with children experience food insecurity. Across the U.S. in 2019, 10% of households were, at times, unable to acquire adequate food for one or more household members because they had insufficient money and other resources to purchase food.
When one Fairfax County mom learned of this, it…
The Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) is a free educational program that trains local high school students as community health workers. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
The Public Health Youth Ambassador Programwas created to help students who face additional barriers to achieving their higher…
Members of Stronger2, a partnership established in October 2021 to improve health literacy within local communities of color, convened on Thursday,…
RSV, or Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, is acommon respiratory virus, a virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Most people who get an RSV infection will have mild illness and will recover in a week or two.However, some groups are more likely to get serious complications if they get sick with RSV.These…
Don’t wait; vaccinate.
As the weather cools down and more time is spent indoors, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine this Fall, preferably by the end of October. According to the CDC, Virginia is now at a Moderate level for flu.
Flu…
Five county employees were recognized with the A. Heath Onthank Award for Merit, the highest honor awarded by the county to its employees,at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Among those recognized is Sharon Arndt, Director of the Community Health Development Division at the Fairfax County Health Department.
Arndt led the development and…
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax is seeking nominations for its 2023 Live Healthy Fairfax Award. This award recognizes individuals, businesses, government, and organizations – both public and private – that have demonstrated exemplary supportive leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations in the Fairfax Community.
The…
In collaboration with the Opioid and Substance Use Task Force, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has created a new public-facing dashboard that will inform residents of trends in opioid overdoses and overdose deaths in the Fairfax Health…
Join Stronger2 along with CLG NOVA Health Group and PsiAA Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for a discussion on the many benefits of doula support, including birth outcomes and breastfeeding.
Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
...
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is responding to the current monkeypox outbreak and is working with community partners to ensure residents who have been exposed or are at highest risk of exposure to monkeypox receive a vaccination. The FCHD expects to receive additional vaccine supplies…
Learn more about the program by ...
From the Virginia Department of Health.
RICHMOND, VA– The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) today announced the successful transition of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to…
July 29 Update: The Real Talk conversationscheduled for July 30 has been postponed. We will provide an update when it is rescheduled. Thank you.
The Fairfax County Health Department, along with the Fairfax County Police Department and ...
On July 5, the Fairfax County Health Department announced a new partnership with Curative that provides no-cost COVID-19 PCR testing at six sites around Fairfax County. Each site is open two days per week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a regular schedule that our residents can rely on (...
From the Virginia Department of Health
Individual is Resident in Northern Virginia
(Richmond, VA) — Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)…
Larry tested positive for HIV in 1986 and he didn’t tell anyone for 5 years. He felt the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at that time made it difficult for people to share their positive status and a lack of understanding and resources made getting help a challenge. While there is no cure for HIV, medical advancements now allow HIV positive individuals, including Larry, to live with the disease.…
The schoolyear 2021-22 is coming to an end, but now is the time for children to get caught-up on their immunizations for the 2022-23 year ahead. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment with their child’spediatrician now to avoid the mid and late summer crowds trying to ensure that all students receive their required school immunizations.
“Each year, healthcare…
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a coyote located in North Springfield/Lake Accotink area (7900 block of Carrleigh Parkway). If you, someone you know, or a pet touched or was bitten or scratched by the animal between Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433, TTY 711.
The…
Members of the public can now access retail food establishment inspection reports more quickly and easily, as part of an update to the county’s new online PLUS platform.
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Health Department Director, says the new system is “a step forward in offering available public health…
Three Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the kickoff of the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting today. The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards program, established this year, recognized three community members who’s commitment to health and wellness initiatives went “above and beyond” in the…
According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute 2022 County Health Rankings report, Fairfax County is ranked the fourth healthiest county out of 133 in the commonwealth. Falls Church City ranks as the healthiest locality,…
The opioid epidemic continues to impact the Northern Virginia region and the nation. Just this week, two youth fatally overdosed in Prince William County after taking what preliminarily appear to be fentanyl-laced percocets (official causes of death are pending toxicology results).
Fentanyl is extremely fatal, even in the smallest doses.Similar to national and statewide trends, most…
Fairfax Health District is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
Out of an abundance of caution, the Fairfax Health District is informing people who were at the locations listed below during the specified time frames, that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. Health officials are mounting a coordinated effort to identify people who may have been exposed. Listed…
Virginia Department of Health Northern Virginia Region News Release:
Public Health leaders in the…
November 5 UPDATE/CLARIFICATION: After a thorough veterinary examination on the body of the cat was conducted this week, the results indicate that the cat was not spayed as was shared in the previous release.
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a young…
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax, 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, is seeking nominations for its 2022 Live Healthy Fairfax Award. The award recognizes individuals, businesses, government, as well as private and public organizations that…
The Fairfax County Health Department confirmed rabies in a raccoon that was chasing people and pets in Luria Park, located at 7624 Holmes Run Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042, on Friday, October 22, 2021. If you, someone you know, or a pet had contact with the animal, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-6004, TTY 711. Any one or any pet that had…
While COVID-19 cases are slowly declining, families are wondering if it’s OK to celebrate Halloween this year. The short answer is yes, but with precautions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are ways to enjoy the tradition and still protect your health. The best way to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and possibly spreading the…
Fairfax County continues to look for ways to make roadways and communities safer so that more people can enjoy biking and walking. Education is a key component to traffic safety and in a new collaborative effort, schools, county agencies and Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik created opportunities for children and families to learn more about the rules of the road on a small stretch of…
“Stronger Partnership, Stronger Community: Using Health Literacy to Increase Resilience (Stronger2)” brings together trusted community voices to foster culturally competent health literacy
The Fairfax County Health Department has begun a new initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, African and Hispanic communities. Named “Stronger…
UpdateDec. 13: For current hours of operation, and other vaccine locations, please visit theCOVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Scheduling page.
On Friday, October 8, a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) (a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic) will reopen in…
With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, and influenza season starting, it’s more important than ever that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Health experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot this year and every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccination in September…
Northern Virginia Health Departments Are Working Together to Identify People Who Are at Risk
(Fairfax, Va.)— Out of an abundance of caution, health districts in northern Virginia are informing people who were at various locations listed below during the specified time frames, that they may have been exposed to one of three people diagnosed with measles. These individuals recently…
The Fairfax County Health Department is urgently requesting that families take immediate action to update immunizations required for their children to attend school in the fall. Failure to do so may impact a student’s ability to enroll.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute.…
“Brood X-cellent to see you again / I been / chillin’ underground with my friends / sippin’ on root juices /17 years as a nymph / ditchin’ this skin / for tymbals, genitalia and tent-like wings…”
That’s just a taste of MC Bugg-Z’s entomological hip-hop anthem for summer 2021, “...
The Fairfax County Health Department is hiring staff to support its COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic response efforts. Specifically, the agency is looking for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses to join its vaccination team on a part-time, temporary basis.
These individuals will join a team of health care professionals to…
Beginning Dec. 21, the Fairfax Health District will consolidate services across its five district offices to the Joseph Willard Health Center (JWHC) in the City of Fairfax and will remain open for essential services offered by appointment only, Monday – Friday, 8 am to…
The Fairfax Health District is expanding its pool of contact tracing staff and is actively seeking weekend contact interviewers. As COVID-19 cases increase in the Fairfax Health District, the additional staff will be needed in the efforts to effectively slow…
There’s a new way to access timely, relevant and trustworthy information about the Fairfax County Health Department and the COVID-19 pandemic. Just follow @FairfaxHealth on Instagram.
The photo-friendly social media platform will aid in the department’s efforts to connect with younger audiences and encourage…
[Fairfax, VA] – While it is too soon to know the specific impacts of COVID-19 on people who use e-cigarettes, we do know that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 attacks the lungs and there is growing evidence that vaping can harm lung health overall. This is why it is more important than ever for young people to quit vaping to protect their health. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be…
With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full force and influenza season now starting, it’s more important than ever that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Health experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot this year and every year.
Flu vaccination will reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19.…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Fairfax County Health Department recently recognized two community partners for their contributions in protecting the health of children through their dedicated actions and commitment to immunizations throughout this historic pandemic.
ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale, Va. And La Petite Academy in Centreville, Va., are…
The Fairfax County Health Department is offering nine additional community childhood vaccination clinics and has expanded district office hours to provide Tdap vaccine at three clinics in Fairfax County. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of one of the free…
The Fairfax Health District has brought on close to 150 staff to help with contact tracing since June, with dozens more to be added in coming weeks in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. But with the need to fill approximately 400 positions, more Fairfax County residents are being encouraged to apply.
“Although we’ve had good response to our recruitment efforts so far, we would…
The Fairfax County Health Department is encouraging anyone who has symptoms or an exposure to COVID-19 to get tested right away. There are currently nearly 30 sites across the Fairfax Health District offering COVID-19 testing for both insured and uninsured…
June 5, 2020: This release was updated to include details for the July 25, 2020 vaccine clinic.
During this time of stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements, access to routine immunization services has been limited…
More than 20 sites across the Fairfax Health District are offering COVID-19 testing for both insured and uninsured residents, and the Health Department urges anyone with symptoms or anyone who is a close contact to someone who is sick to be tested.
“You do not need to wait in line…
The Fairfax County Health Department is pleased to partner with the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) to hire and train staff for COVID-19 contact tracing efforts.
Contact tracing is a vital part of the Health Department’s approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In conducting contact tracing, public health staff speak with individuals who have probable or diagnosed…
The Fairfax County Health Department has added new data points to its COVID-19 Case Data Dashboard in an effort to keep the public informed during the COVID-19 emergency. The Fairfax Health District is composed of Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of…
The Fairfax County Health Department has launched a new data site with more information on COVID-19 cases in the Fairfax Health District. The district is composed of Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of Herndon and Vienna.
In the interest of keeping the public…
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting three additional deaths due to complications of COVID-19 – bringing the total number of deaths in the health district to five.
A male in his 60s A male in his 80s A male in his 90sAll three were hospitalized at the time of death and were previously included in case reporting.
“We are saddened by these…
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting a second death of a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was a male in his 60s who acquired COVID-19 through travel. The cause of death was the result of complications of COVID-19.
“This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of Health. “This…
Beginning March 24, the Fairfax Health District will consolidate services across its five district offices to two locations. The Joseph Willard Health Center in the City of Fairfax and the ...
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting its first death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. The patient was a male in his 60s who acquired COVID-19 through contact with a previously reported case. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
This is the third death attributed to COVID-19 in the…
On March 20, Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) was notified of a confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) involving an individual at Crossroads Baptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads, Va.
The individual is a male in his 40s who became ill with respiratory symptoms on March 12 while traveling out of state. The individual is currently hospitalized. Specimens were collected…
As of March 19, 2020, public health officials have noted evidence of community transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus in parts of Northern Virginia. There is a total of 16 cases of COVID-19 in the Fairfax Health District, which includes the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church and towns within the county.
Community transmission, or "community spread," is defined by the ...
Update: March 22, 2020
Second Case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
A second resident of The Kensington, a senior living community, has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Fairfax County Health Department, The Kensington, and the City of Falls Church are fully collaborating on the investigation and taking immediate action to prevent further spread.
Individuals…
Note: These cases are included in the total that was reported on the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 webpage today.
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting four additional presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Fairfax County.
Information about the additional cases:
Three individuals from the same household are close…Note: These cases are included in the total that was reported on the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 webpage at noon today.
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting two additional presumptive positive cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Information about the additional cases:
The first case is an individual in her 40s who was in close…The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting two additional presumptive positive cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), who are close contacts to a case identified in North Carolina.
The Fairfax County Health Department has announced the winners of its 14 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award for 2020.
Nine local food service operations, including two schools, a church, a supermarket, a health center, a café, two restaurants and a family-owned catering company, are being recognized for maintaining outstanding food safety practices and employee education. This…
(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and local health officials statewide are monitoring developments surrounding the respiratory outbreak first detected in Wuhan, China caused by a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This is a rapidly evolving situation. To provide the latest local information and updates to Virginians, VDH has developed a ...
Because of the recent mediareports surrounding 21 Chinese exchange students who were visiting Fairfax County from the province where the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is centered, we are providing the following information on the situation, as it currently exists:
The Fairfax County Health Departmentassessed the risk to the Fairfax community associated with these students as…You can’t see, smell or taste it, but radon is second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates January as National Radon Action Month, an annual observance to raise awareness of the dangers of radon, to promote radon testing and mitigation, and to advance the use of radon-resistant new construction…
A Spanish-language digital ad campaign aimed at protecting outdoor workers from tick and mosquito borne diseases has been honored by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).
Fairfax County Health Department’s “Combata las Picaduras” (Fight the Bite) campaign received a gold award in the government health marketing category of the 2019 Berreth Awards, recognizing…
(Richmond, Va.) - The State Health Commissioner is warning Virginians not to use any third party services to obtain vital records and not to pay any fee for vital records application forms, which have always been and always will be free. Although the forms are free, there are fees for searches.
Please ensure that any required payment goes directly to the Office of Vital Records.…
With the 2019-2020 flu season underway, the Virginia Department of Health encourages all Virginians age 6months and older who haven't received their annual influenza vaccine to get one now! State health officials gathered Friday, November 22, to highlight the importance of the vaccine and to receive a flu shot themselves.
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The Fairfax County Health Department will again test their capacity to respond to a major public health emergency by providing free seasonal flu shots at Fairfax High School on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
Seasonal flu shots being offered are free to area adults and children ages 6 months and up. Shots will be administered starting at 9 a.m. on a first come first served basis while…
The 2019-2020 flu season is approaching, and the Fairfax County Department of Health encourages all people six months and older to receive their annual influenza vaccine and take other precautions to prevent the spread of flu.
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, that easily spreads from person-to-person and can cause severe illness. When…
After identifying two animals located within 1-mile of each other that tested positive for rabies in the Herndon area over the last 30 days, the Fairfax County Health Department is asking residents to steer clear of wild animals and to report any animal attacks right away.
Dates and locations of the incidents are as follows:
Updated 12/3/19
Many states, including Virginia, have recently reported cases of severe lunginjury among teenagers and young adults with a history of "vaping" (i.e., practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device).
The most common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, with the illness getting worse over…
The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Old Dominion Phytoplankton lab, monitor water quality in Lake Anna and other bodies of water in Virginia. An ...
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Fairfax County Health Department is recognizing two community partners for their ongoing efforts toprotect the health and wellbeing of children.
Advanced Pediatrics in Vienna, Va. is recognized for its commitment to providing school-required immunizations and other age-appropriate vaccines to children, according…
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing more information about the ongoing investigation of reports of intestinal illness associated with Cyclospora
Read the news release.
Update: July 29, 2019
No new cases of illness have occurred in Heatherwoodsince July 15, 2019. Results of earlier testing submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated rhinovirus, a virus that causes the common cold. The facility continues normal operations.
Update: July 26, 2019 The outbreak of…Who’s heard of West Nile Virus? //You might not realize it // but it’s inside of mosquitoes // and they can spread it to people.
That’s just a taste of MC Bugg-Z’s newest public health hip-hop anthem for the summer, “West Nile Story.” The Fairfax County Health Department is using the music video to raise…
Out of an abundance of caution, Health Districts in northern Virginia are informing people about potential exposures to a person with measles, including one location in Fairfax County.
Read the full news release: Virginia…
Want to see public health emergency response in action and help your community? Volunteer to participate in Capital Fortitude, a full-scale emergency exercise designed to evaluate the National Capital Region’s ability to dispense medication…
Join the Fairfax Food Council (FFC) and Faith Communities in Action (FCIA) on May 22 as we explore ways to make healthy, affordable food more accessible to everyone in our community. The 2019 Fairfax Food Equity Summit will bring community members and organizations together to examine Fairfax County’s food system through an equity lens.
...State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver today presented the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 2019 Public Health Nurse of the Year award to Yvonne Creech, who runs the nursing home screening program for the Suffolk Health Department in the Western Tidewater Health District. Creech’s love for public health, her dedication and her passion for improving her community’s health has led…
Two KinderCare Learning Centers are getting kudos from the Fairfax County Health Department for their compliance with state immunization requirements as part of National Infant Immunization Week 2019.
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) – occurring this year from April 27-May 4 – is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of…
Public health officials in Northern Virginia are launching a region-wide tuberculosis awareness campaign, hoping to dispel myths and address barriers to testing and early treatment for those most at risk for TB.
The new campaign will use a combination of grassroots outreach, along with print, transit and digital advertising across Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William and…
The Fairfax County Health Department is seeing an increase in cases of gastrointestinal illness in the community and is reminding people to stay home when sick and for 24 hours after getting better, and to practice good handwashing to prevent further spread.
Gastrointestinal viruses, like norovirus, spread from person-to-person. The most common symptoms of norovirus include nausea,…
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax elected a new co-chair and adopted a new Community Health Improvement Plan at its 2018 Annual Meeting on December 13, 2018.
The Virginia Department of Health has released results from the 2016-2017 Virginia Adult Tobacco Survey.
More than 600 people working at skilled nursing facilities in Fairfax County got their flu shot this monthas part of a vaccination exercise conducted by the Health Department.
Nine skilled nursing facilities participated in the exercise, which served two purposes: to increase vaccination rates among skilled nursing facility staff who work with clients who are particularly susceptible…
As of October 1, the Virginia Department of Health has identified a record number of human West Nile virus cases.
The Virginia Department of Health encourages all people in Virginia six months and older to receive their annual influenza vaccine.
After identifying four animals that tested positive for rabies in the Centreville area over the last 30 days, Fairfax County Health Department is asking residents to steer clear of wild animals and to report any animal attacks right away.
The “Live Your Best Life” campaign to promote Fairfax County’s Adult Day Health Care program received a bronze award in the government health marketing category of the 2018 Berreth Awards.
The Virginia Department of Health, Fairfax County Health Department and Arlington County Health Department are sending 35 public health nurses to provide health and medical support at emergency shelters throughout North Carolina following the onslaught of Hurricane Florence.
Fairfax County Health Department has determined the need to spray pesticides to control adult mosquitoes in parts of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax based on its mosquito surveillance activities for West Nile virus.
Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a cat located in the 7800 block of O’Dell Street in the Springfield area. The cat attacked three people on Wednesday, August 15.
Fairfax County Health Department presented certificates of recognition to three of its community partners for National Immunization Awareness Month.
Fairfax County Health Department has identified the first reported human case of West Nile Virus disease in 2018
Local health care providers learned how to integrate a food and parks prescription program into their practices to help their patients achieve better health at the Rx for Life conference hosted by the Fairfax County Health Department.
Fairfax County Health Department has released the music video “Tick Check 1-2” to educate the public about Lyme disease and other illnesses spread by ticks.
Springfield Academy earns praise for efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of children
For their contributions to protecting health and well-being of children in our community, Springfield Academy was recognized by the Fairfax County Health Department today as part of its National Infant Immunization Week activities. ...
The Fairfax County Health Department has launched a new voluntary enrollment program, Safety Through Actively Managing Practices (STAMP), for food service operations that meet a set of standards developed by the department.
STAMP requires that food…
Fairfax County health officials are warning residents about the serious health risks, including injury and infection, associated with dental procedures performed by unlicensed providers.
Recently the Health Department identified a person with a life-threatening blood-borne infection who received dental care by an unlicensed provider in the basement of a house in West Falls Church.…
Environmental health specialists from Fairfax County are among those being deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist with the long-term recovery efforts from hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Virginia will send two Environmental Health strike teams to the islands this weekend. The teams, deployed through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management…
Fairfax County’s suicide prevention campaign aimed at helping teens in crisis was recently named a Bronze winner in the 37th Annual Telly Awards.
Fairfax County Health Department has announced the winners of its 14 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award for 2017.
Fairfax County’s youth suicide prevention campaign continues to earn national recognition. It was recently given a Berreth Award for Excellence in Public Health Communication by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).
Northern Virginia Clergy Council for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS's third annual Hoops/HIV Summit aims to break the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the black community.
