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.

School is back in session!

Over the past couple of weeks back-to-school events have been happening across Fairfax. Members of the Health Department have been attending these events to provide students and their families with the things they need to have a healthy school year.

The Fairfax County Health Department joined in many of the National Night Out celebrations occurring around the area the evening of August 2, 2022. The annual neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention event brings together community members and partners during the evening with special activities for families. Here is a recap of public health activities during National Night Out:

School might be finished for the summer, but now is the time for children to get caught-up on their immunizations. Parents, delaying immunizations puts your child in jeopardy of starting school in August. Pediatricians and health clinics get increasingly busy with back-to-school appointments as summer days roll forward, so now is the time to take action and get children immunized.

Social skills help children improve their social behavior and interactions with others. To help children enhance their social skills, the Speech and Hearing team is hosting a week-long camp this summer.

A lot of people procrastinate much-needed hearing tests. And there are a lot of reasons for doing so, but toward the top of that list is fear of a hearing aid. That’s according to Laura Lynch, audiologist with the Fairfax County Health Department.