Volunteers Gather at First Baptist Church of Vienna to Coordinate Food Donations and More
The sun was out yesterday in Annandale as people gathered at Fairmont Gardens to participate in a wide range of public health activities:
The Reston Community Center hosted their annual William Dallas Helm Memorial Homeless Event on October 29.
Like most of us, the Fairfax County Health Department’s community health workers have been busy this Fall. Over the past month, personnel have represented the agency and presented at dozens of events; sharing information and engaging in important public health conversations.
Community health workers also attended multiple food distribution events. In addition to helping with the orchestration of food delivery at these events, the team spoke to attendees about important health topics, answered questions, and connected people to health resources.
As a family liaison at Bailey's Elementary School, Maria Demarest provides assistance, information, and connection to resources for students and their families. But the impact of Maria's work is clear and goes far beyond what may normally be expected from her role.
In many ways, Annandale resident Mariana Enríquez is like any other Fairfax County mother. She tends to the needs of her two children, ages 10 and 11, ensuring they are prepared for school, helping with homework, transporting them to various activities.
Mariana’s role as mother is bigger than just her family, though. Many of the children in her community participate in her ‘arts and crafts’ after school program on Mondays.
Engaging in meaningful conversations is an important part of bringing public health to the community. That is why in addition to providing information and resources, the Health Department's community health workers take time to talk with people, not just to them. That is why our team is on the scene each day at locations across the community, getting to know people and addressing their concerns.
