A healthy community means more than good medical care; it involves giving everyone the opportunity to make healthy choices. Too many children and adults in the Fairfax community face preventable health risk factors such as inadequate physical activity; poor nutrition; heart disease; obesity; and tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
Consider the following statistics:
- Chronic diseases account for 7 of the 10 leading causes of death and are responsible for 86 percent of health care costs in the United States.
- In Fairfax County, 20 percent of adults are overweight. However, 85 percent report participating in regular physical activity.
- About one in ten adults in Virginia smokes.
- Thirteen percent of our residents lack health insurance, including 16 percent of adults and 5 percent of children.
- Only 27 percent of our kids eats at least 5 fruits and vegetables every day.
In addition to identifying strategies for preventing chronic diseases, the Live Healthy Fairfax effort is promoting policy, systems and environmental changes that will help the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax achieve its vision: Fairfax — an engaged and empowered community working together to achieve optimal health and well-being for all who live, work and play here.
You can make a difference in the health of our community. Join us!
A Community Health Assessment is a careful review of the health-related data and statistics to determine the key issues, health-related strengths, and experiences of community members. This comprehensive assessment is a core public health function provided by the Fairfax County Health Department and includes input from community partners and residents who call Fairfax home.
Additionally, the Health Department conducted a Community Partner Assessment to help gather information about community partners who are working to improve the health and wellbeing in the Fairfax community.
Community Health Improvement Plan 2019-2023
The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is an action-oriented plan created to make the Fairfax community a healthier place to live. The plan focuses on three health issues: Healthy Eating, Healthy Environment and Active Living, and Behavioral Health.
Priority Issues
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax identified three priority issues to address in the current Community Health Improvement Plan: Healthy Eating, Healthy Environment and Active Living, and Behavioral Health.
Healthy Eating
The Fairfax Food Council promotes the accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthy eating for all.
Healthy Environment and Active Living
Improving the community environment to support active living and good health for all
Behavioral Health
Fostering greater community well-being.
Learn more
Learn more about the Partnership for a Healthy Fairfax and find related resources.
Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax is a coalition of community members and organizations that are working together to explore new approaches for addressing critical public health issues.
Community Health Dashboard
The Community Health Dashboard tracks more than 100 key health and quality of life indicators by geographical region and topic.
Vape-Free Fairfax
Find resources that can help you or someone you know need help to stop vaping.