Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

Nov. 12, 2025

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about National Family Caregivers Month, Fentanyl, and staying safe from scams with the Silver Shield campaign. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the over 63 million family caregivers across the United States who selflessly provide care and support to loved ones with health needs. These dedicated individuals are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, delivering billions of hours of unpaid care while managing their own work, families, and personal challenges. Led by the Caregiver Action Network, National Family Caregivers Month brings national attention to the vital role that family caregivers play. Family caregivers face unique challenges, balancing their responsibilities, navigating complex medical systems, and maintaining their physical and emotional well-being—making resources and support essential. National Family Caregivers Month provides opportunities to raise awareness about these challenges, connect caregivers with trusted tools and networks, and educate communities about ways to support them more effectively. As a community, let’s honor the work of family caregivers this November, ensuring they know they are appreciated while connecting them with the resources they need to thrive in their demanding and compassionate roles. The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers evidence-based programs, educational webinars and workshops, and resources and services focused on caregivers’ needs. Learn more about Family Caregiver Support Programs on fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

Fentanyl is the primary opioid responsible for fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the Fairfax Health District. Since 2022, more than 95% of all opioid overdose deaths have involved fentanyl. Information on local overdose trends is available in the Fairfax Opioid Overdose Dashboard. Fentanyl is an opioid that is a common substitute or cutting agent in illicit narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), as well as counterfeit pills. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 2 milligrams of fentanyl – the amount on the tip of the pencil in the photo – is a potentially deadly dose. In 2025, the DEA seized over 39 million fentanyl pills and 8,070 pounds of fentanyl powder, representing over 300 million deadly doses. NewsCenter has more information; fairfaxcounty.gov/news.

 

The holidays inspire charitable giving, but scammers take advantage of this goodwill by creating fake charities to steal your donations. They may contact you through unsolicited phone calls, emails, or posts on social media. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers or click on links in unsolicited emails.
• Research a charity before donating to ensure it’s legitimate. You can verify charities at websites like Give.org, CharityWatch.org, or CharityNavigator.org.
• To confirm that your donation is tax-deductible, search for the organization through the IRS’s tax-exempt organization search at irs.gov.
• Only donate using credit cards or checks. Charities that ask for payment via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are likely scams.

If you suspect a scam:

• Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• File a complaint with your state’s charity regulator. In Virginia, contact the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs..

Meanwhile, package thefts spike during the holiday season, although they’re not technically scams. Taking steps to secure your deliveries can prevent valuables from being stolen off your porch. Here’s some tips to protect your packages:

• Choose to have packages delivered to a secure drop box or locker when possible.
• Request a signature for high-value items.
• Install a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries. It can notify you when packages arrive so you can bring them inside quickly or ask a neighbor to retrieve them if you’re away.
• By following these tips, you can make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for yourself and your loved ones.

Stay on top of scams and protect yourself. Visit the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program. Just search "silver shield" on FairfaxCounty.gov.

 

Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.

 

That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.