In the latest episode of “Connect with County Leaders,” host Bryan Hill, Fairfax County Executive, welcomes back Dr. J. Stephen Jones, president and CEO of Inova Health System, for a wide-ranging discussion about their successful partnership since 2018.
The episode also features an employee spotlight with Allison Homer, program manager with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, who shares how the county’s AC Rescue program is helping vulnerable residents stay safe during extreme heat.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Hard Work
The relationship between Fairfax County and Inova didn’t happen by accident. Jones points to leadership as the key ingredient in their success.
“I think the key to the relationship is indeed a relationship. It’s a partnership,” he said.
This partnership was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Hill and Jones found themselves talking almost daily instead of their usual quarterly dinners. One conversation led to both leaders getting on the phone with the governor’s office, ultimately securing vaccines for their mass vaccination efforts.
Jones reflects on those difficult days: “It was frustrating because we knew that we could take care of our community, but we needed what we needed to take care of the community.”
Building for the Future
One of the most ambitious projects Inova has taken on is breaking ground on two hospitals at the same time, something Jones says has never been done before. The Franconia-Springfield expansion and the Alexandria hospital replacement represent a major commitment to the community and address a real need.
The Alexandria facility needed to be replaced due to its age, while the Franconia-Springfield location will expand Inova’s ability to serve increasing numbers of residents in that area of the county.
Technology That Puts Patients First
Inova has become a leader in healthcare technology, earning the distinction of being the first in the nation to achieve the Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of Health Data certification.
“We’re in the [patient] trust business,” Jones says. “So, we take that very seriously.”
Inova implements technology to complement human connection rather than replace it. For example, artificial intelligence is used to help physicians spend more time with patients, Jones says.
Supporting the Community Beyond Healthcare
Inova’s commitment to the community goes beyond treating patients. They offer what Jones believes is “the most generous financial assistance in the country,” writing off all care for families at 400% of federal poverty level or below.
They also invest $1 million annually in community organizations.
“We’re not buying T-shirts for softball teams,” Dr. Jones says. “We’re contributing money to others who are going to make an impact greater than we would have with that same amount of money.”
Blood Donations and Preparing for Flu Season
As fall and winter approach, Jones emphasizes the ongoing need for blood donations. Inova operates the largest hospital-based blood donor program in the country, celebrating 60 years of service.
“Most people think you need blood donations just if there is a car wreck and you have bleeding,” he says. “We actually need significant blood for those patients who have cancer and their blood counts go down or patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.”
And with respiratory illness season starting earlier than expected, Jones urges the community to get vaccinated. Inova staff are already treating patients with flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.
“Inova has no equivocation. We have great clarity that vaccinations save lives,” Jones says.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Fairfax County and Inova continues to grow stronger. From emergency preparedness training for county first responders to workforce development programs, the two organizations find new ways to serve their shared community.
Employee Spotlight: AC Rescue Program Brings Cool Relief
In the employee spotlight part of the podcast, Allison Homer from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination shared details about the AC Rescue program, which provides air conditioning units to vulnerable residents most in need.
The program directly supports Fairfax County’s One Fairfax policy by addressing disparities in heat-related health risks. Homer explains the stark statistics.
“Non-U.S. citizens are 20 times more likely to die from heat related illnesses. And our Black population makes up 9.7% of our population, but 16.7% of heat-related illnesses.”
The need has become more urgent as temperatures rise. In 1962, Fairfax County had only three nights that stayed above 70 degrees. Last year, the county experienced 43 hot nights.
Making a Real Difference
Homer shares powerful examples of families the program helped, including a pregnant mother with two elementary school-aged children who had gone years without AC, and families with toddlers living in homes that were hotter inside than the 100-degree temperatures outside.
“All of those families, despite the clear dire need before AC rescue, were ineligible for cooling help,” Homer says. Now these families “have a home that is at a safe temperature so they can sleep well. They don’t have to worry about heat-related illnesses. The kids can focus better on their homework.”
The program plans to expand and add more repair services for central air conditioning systems. With the Board of Supervisors support, including visits from supervisors to installation sites, AC Rescue represents Fairfax County’s commitment to ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy living conditions.
!['Heat is by far the most dangerous natural hazard in the United States. Heat causes more casualties than hurricanes, flooding, windstorms, winter storms, [and] tornadoes combined. It's known as the silent killer because it's not as visible as a flood or tornado." - Allison Homer, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.](/news/sites/news/files/Assets/images/Connect%20with%20County%20Leaders%20Pull%20Quote%20-%20Allison%20Homer.png)
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County.
Listen or watch past episodes of “Connect with County Leaders” on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. For other Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES