Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

The national opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on youth and families here in Fairfax County. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the lure of opioids, which can lead to a cycle of dependency and despair. Families are often left to grapple with the emotional and financial toll of addiction. By making Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) available to youth, Fairfax County can provide a lifeline to these families, offering hope and a path to recovery. Ensuring that young people have access to effective treatment not only helps them reclaim their lives but also restores stability and hope to their families, creating a stronger, more united community. Youth Medication-Assisted Treatment (YMAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose. Medications can help ease the discomfort experienced when withdrawing from opioids or other substances and reduce cravings for further use. In response to the allocation of opioid settlement funds, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is building upon an already robust offering of services for youth and their families affected by opioid use. One immediate action taken by the CSB was to expand the current YMAT services being offered at the Sharon Bulova Center in Merrifield to extend to the Gerry Hyland Government Center in South County which will, together, serve 150 youth annually. LaVurne Williams, division director for Youth & Family Outpatient and Intensive Services, is working with her team to establish new outpatient treatment sites and expand the workforce to offer accessible care to youth and their families. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has expanded its Medication-Assisted Treatment services for youth, including the June 2024 opening of a new treatment location in the South County area. “Right now, we’re hyper-focused on building up the supportive services that target youth impacted by opioid use. We have never seen such a drastic need for youth services as we are currently experiencing,” observed Williams. “As new projects are launched, the CSB, in collaborative partnership with other groups, will be providing barrier-free, medication-assisted treatment options; assessments; individual, family and group therapy; peer support; and case management to serve this critical population.” On June 7, 2024, leadership and staff from the CSB gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the newly expanded YMAT services at the Gerry Highland Center. In honor of the diligence and commitment to serving their community, the program was dedicated to the staff who made this expansion become a reality. Additional Resources The CSB is launching more initiatives in response to the significant rise in nonfatal overdoses involving those under the age of 18 in the Fairfax Health District. Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for guidance and resources at 703-383-8500 (TTY 711). CSB Emergency Services are available 24/7 at 703-573-5679 (TTY 711).

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" in Fairfax County at their June 11, 2024, meeting. This recognition was honored by a Proclamation presented to NOVA Pride. The County’s commitment to equality, inclusion and non-discrimination for LGBTQ+ residents is demonstrated by its One Fairfax Policy. Acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community is valued at the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) as steadfast efforts bring awareness to the unique behavioral health needs of this population.  With acceptance and inclusion being paramount to building strong, resilient communities, Fairfax County agencies stand at the forefront of promoting these values. Harnessing a steadfast commitment to mental wellness and youth mental health, the CSB, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and Department of Family Services, and Healthy Minds Fairfax are proud to have made possible a "Celebration of Acceptance" on May 3, 2024. Held on a school holiday at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church, Virginia, the event served as a beacon of hope, fostering a culture of acceptance while prioritizing the mental well-being of Fairfax County youth. //--> //--> //--> The Video Player does not directly support your device. Please the link below the play in VLC, Quicktime, or other media player: https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fairfax/flash/16AF_0524_CelebratAcceptance.mp4 //--> //--> //-->   The CSB Equity Team and CSB Youth and Family services partnered as lead planners, curating an exciting program aimed at empowering youth and promoting allyship within the community. Attendees were able to learn about various resources, programs, and organizations supporting the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, as well as engage in discussions on acceptance and inclusion. The event is a testament to an enduring commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children and youth in Fairfax County. The "Celebration of Acceptance" event featured free food trucks, special prize giveaways, a panel discussion, and numerous mental wellness activities. While targeted towards youth ages 13-18, individuals of all ages were welcomed. Parents, educators, and community members gained valuable insights and fostered allyship by participating. Notable attendees included Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Dalia A. Palchik (Providence District), who delivered a Proclamation marking May as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Fairfax County. Also attending were Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and CSB Executive Director Daryl Washington. Their presence underscored the importance of acceptance and inclusion in Fairfax County. (Left) Attendees having fun during a Zumba session. (Right Top) Attendees included Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid; Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board leaders LaVurne Williams, Anika Harris, Barbara Wadley-Young, and Abbey May; Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Dalia A. Palchik (Providence District); and Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch. (Right Bottom) A panel discussion featuring youth leaders and mental health specialists.  Initiatives like the “Celebration of Acceptance,” which aim to unite the community, align with the One Fairfax policy promoting equity and opportunity in Fairfax County, and the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, which works to improve mental health and substance use services for children and youth. In working to build bridges of understanding and foster inclusion, the event was an outlet for celebrating differences and creating a supportive environment to inspire minds and nurture hearts. It enabled young and old alike in Fairfax County to stand tall, together. About the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board: The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides services for people of all ages who have mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. Its vision is that everyone in the community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Learn more about the CSB. About CSB Youth and Family Services: The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides behavioral health services for children and youth who have serious emotional and mental health issues and/or substance use issues. Based on an individualized assessment, children, youth and families are offered a treatment plan tailored to their specific strengths and needs. Learn more about CSB Youth and Family Services. About the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services: Neighborhood and Community Services promotes the well-being of individuals, families and communities by providing a variety of recreation, educational and developmental programs and services; by facilitating community engagement to identify areas of need and enhance countywide capacity for serving those needs; and by connecting residents with a continuum of county- and community-based resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more about the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. About the Fairfax County Department of Family Services: The Department of Family Services envisions a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives. It strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services. Learn more about the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. About One Fairfax: One Fairfax is a joint racial and social equity policy of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board. It commits the county and schools to intentionally consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services. Learn more about One Fairfax. About Healthy Minds Fairfax: Healthy Minds Fairfax coordinates a full range of mental health and substance abuse services for children and youth across multiple county agencies, the school system and private treatment providers. It works to help youth and families in the Fairfax-Falls Church community access mental health and substance abuse services and improve the quality of those services. Learn more about Healthy Minds Fairfax.

More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience a mental health concern each year according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). More than 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness that interferes with or limits major life activities. Mental illness, including depression, substance use disorders, anxiety or psychosis, can happen to anyone. May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Fairfax County and across the country. By talking about mental health this month, you can help shine a light on the presence of mental health issues and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness. Here are some ways you can take action: Enroll in one of Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's (CSB) Mental Health First Aid courses. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program offered by the CSB that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives. Take part in a CSB Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training to learn what to do and not to do in an overdose situation, how to administer life-saving naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Take one of CSB’s free, confidential online mental health screenings. Completing these anonymous screenings will help you determine if your recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable mental health issue. Practice healthy self-care strategies to improve your mental health: Exercise. Even a small amount can make a big difference in your day. Connect with someone. Make a phone call or visit with a friend or family member.  Start a cycle of encouragement; tell others what you appreciate about them. Listen to music that inspires and motivates you. Write a poem on something you care about, or an article on something you feel is interesting. Get involved, learn more, help your community and reduce stigma. Support is available, treatment works and people do recover. Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for guidance and resources at 703-383-8500 (TTY 711). CSB Emergency Services are available 24/7 at 703-573-5679 (TTY 711). Call the nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 703-527-4077 or 988, or text “CONNECT” to 855-11, for urgent mental health-related distress. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

In response to the pressing need for affordable housing for individuals with serious mental illness, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) has assumed a leading role in an initiative to expand permanent supportive housing in the region. This latest endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), seeks to provide stable housing and comprehensive support services to vulnerable community members. The initiative comes at a critical juncture as the demand for affordable housing, especially for individuals facing mental health challenges, continues to rise in Fairfax County. Under a recently announced $20 million agreement with DBHDS, funding will be made available for 300 new housing vouchers over three years for Fairfax County residents. The CSB’s involvement in the expansion project includes planning assistance, the allocation of in-kind resources, systems setup, the provision of clinical services, and administrative support.  The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board aims to make meaningful progress in expanding permanent supportive housing opportunities and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable residents across the region. One component of CSB's efforts is to screen and refer individuals most in need for housing assistance. The focus is to ensure that priority access to permanent supportive housing units is granted to those transitioning from state hospitals and temporary residential settings, or to those experiencing chronic homelessness. The CSB will facilitate connections to essential resources such as housing subsidies, clinical support services, and, for some, the Pathway Homes Assertive Community Treatment team situated in the northern area of Fairfax County.  To address financial barriers to housing, the CSB will administer client assistance funds provided by the state. These funds will help cover essential expenses for individuals moving into permanent supportive housing units, affording individuals increased opportunities for smooth transitions, greater stability, and enhanced positive long-term outcomes. Further, the CSB is undertaking recruitment and training of three Critical Time Intervention (CTI) workers to expand and enhance its existing supportive housing team. Recognized as an evidence-based practice, CTI workers provide intensive support during transitional periods, crucial for individuals navigating the complexities of securing and maintaining stable housing. Access to nursing supports will also be available.  This comprehensive approach reflects Fairfax County's commitment to addressing the challenges of housing insecurity and mental health with care and consideration. Through strategic partnerships, innovative interventions, and a client-centered and evidence-based approach, the CSB aims to make meaningful progress in expanding permanent supportive housing opportunities and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable residents across the region. As the initiative progresses, stakeholders anticipate a positive impact on the lives of individuals grappling with mental illness, fostering a more inclusive and resilient community in Fairfax County.