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.

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.

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.

The Fairfax County Health Department Speech and Hearing team is hosting their second week-long camp this summer. This camp will help children enhance vital social skills that will help improve social behavior and interactions with others.

“If we aren’t doing anything for these kids, then coming to the barbershop and talking is a waste of time.”

Volunteers Gather at First Baptist Church of Vienna to Coordinate Food Donations and More

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.