August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and World Breastfeeding Week is recognized August 1-7. According to the Virginia Department of Health, breast milk is the only food that infants need for the first six months of life. It gives them all the nutrition they need along with important protection against diseases.

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) community outreach team continues to engage with new community members on issues surrounding chronic disease management. 

Officials hear the stories of local high school students and their passion for public health

Teens from the Health Department’s Youth Ambassador Program welcomed a team of public officials from federal and local government agencies recently. The dignitaries were interested in learning more about the Youth Ambassador Program and enjoyed an informative session with students.

Ask someone what, in their opinion, are considered self-less occupations, and for many it wouldn’t be surprising to hear teacher, social worker, or nurse. And while these occupations are considered vastly different from one another, Director of School Health Shauna Severo says that the role of a public health nurse actually encompasses all three.

A fitting feature for National Nurse Month, Public Health Nurses from the Fairfax County Health Department School Health Team recently visited the Public Health Youth Ambassadors at Mount Vernon High School to talk about public health nursing and the school health program.

For decades, Cindy Han has been a champion of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community both nationally and locally.  

Every week, Creekside Village Community Center and Sacramento Neighborhood Center, both operated by United Community, host a Wellness Series for children as part of their after-school activities. The Wellness Series helps children learn about the importance of physical and mental health and well-being through engaging lessons and hands-on activities.