Even on the hottest summer days, community health workers were outside. Equipped with sunglasses, water, and loads of sunscreen, they attended community celebrations, food distribution events, and farmers markets, bringing health conversations and resources to the people of Fairfax. 

Community health workers attended community celebrations for Juneteenth. They spoke to attendees about health topics, handed out flyers, and of course partook in some of the fun. 

When addressing the health of the public, assessing the needs of communities and tailoring care to fit those needs is essential. That's why, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fairfax County Health Department has worked with businesses, organizations, and multiple partners to bring COVID-19 vaccine into the community.

Stronger² – a community initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, African and Hispanic communities – launched a new website, stronger2.org.

Vaccine clinic promotion and helping people sign up to get vaccinated are two very important roles for Fairfax County Health Department's community health workers. During the week of May 23rd, community health workers conducted outreach across Fairfax, informing communities about upcoming clinics, registering people for vaccinations, providing resources, and answering questions. 

In observance of May as Mental Health Month, the Fairfax County Health Department held weekly community conversations highlighting important mental health topics each Wednesday in May.

“We wanted to begin some conversations with our community and to spotlight important issues and resources,” said Lucy Caldwell, Communications Director at the Fairfax County Health Department, and facilitator of the Mental Health Month Facebook Live conversations.

“There is no health without mental health”

Improving health in Fairfax requires collaboration at all levels, from government agencies and schools to community groups and individuals.