Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

September is Suicide Prevention Month, but it's always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and share resources to help prevent suicide. There are support services available in Fairfax County year-round to promote positive mental health and increase resilience. Statistics Did you know? Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 25-34 in the U.S. A person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. People who identify as LGBTQ have higher rates of suicide. Attempted suicide was higher among black students than students from other groups. Veterans are at a 57% higher risk of suicide than their non-veteran peers. Source: CDC, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, With Hope Foundation The CSB’s Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention program provides regular trainings and presentations that educate and give attendees valuable tools that can be used to directly support individuals contemplating suicide. These include community-focused workshops, campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and evidence-based suicide prevention, and mental health crisis trainings for all residents. Additionally, the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) provides information and opportunities to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide. Warning Signs — What to Look For The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate the following behaviors are warning signs for suicide: Talking about being a burden to others. Giving belongings away. Looking for a way to kill oneself such as searching online or buying a gun. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. Talking about feeling trapped or unbearable pain. Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly. Sleeping too little or too much. Withdrawing or feeling isolated. Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. Displaying extreme mood swings. Call 703-527-4077, or call or text 988 to reach the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The National Alliance on Mental Illness cites risk factors that could increase an individual’s likelihood to experience suicidal thoughts: A family history of suicide. Substance use. Drugs can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts. Intoxication. Analysis from the CDC indicates around 1 in 5 people who die by suicide had alcohol in their system at the time of death. Access to firearms. A serious or chronic medical illness. Gender. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide. A history of trauma or abuse. Prolonged stress. A recent tragedy or loss. How to Respond to Someone in Crisis Use clear language such as, “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?” Calmly ask supportive questions like, “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?” Express support and concern. Don’t raise your voice, threaten or argue. If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace. Assess the surroundings and remove items such as guns, knives, pills or items that could be used as a weapon. Be patient. Take Action Asking a person if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal ideation. Learn how to identify, talk to, and support someone who may be experiencing these warning signs by becoming a Mental Health First Aider and a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Sign up for Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings. Additionally, the Lock and Talk Northern Virginia safety program offers free locking medication boxes and gun safety locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out for help right away. These resources are available 24/7: Call 703-527-4077, or call or text 988 to reach the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact CrisisLink. Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat Call Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Emergency Services at 703-573-5679. In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 911. If you are concerned, SPAN offers a Confidential Online Screening. You can also come directly to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Emergency Services office, which is open 24/7. Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax 703-573-5679, TTY 711 Using these tools and resources may identify and support people with increased risk of suicide, prevent suicide attempts, and promote services for long-term recovery. If you need help, talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe through a crisis. Call or text 988, call 703-527-4077 or chat online any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Why drop off your unwanted medications? Drug take back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs, and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies. Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug misuse and accidental poisoning and protects the environment. Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Drop off unused or expired medications at the locations listed below (Accepted items: prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets. Not accepted: illegal drugs, pressurized canisters [inhalers/aerosol cans], needles, large sources of liquids, non-prescription ointments and lotions.) Disposal is FREE, convenient, confidential, and safe Safe handling of unused or expired medications: Protects the environment Prevents drug misuse Prevents accidental poisoning Drop-Off Sites Fair Oaks District Station 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033 Franconia District Station 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 Mason District Station 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 Mount Vernon District Station 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306 Reston Hospital Center 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston, VA 20190 Outside Pavilion 1, across from Parking Garage B Sully District Station 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151 Tysons Emergency 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182 West Springfield District Station 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152 Town of Vienna Police Department 215 Center Street South, Vienna, VA 22180 Need help with a substance misuse issue? Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board: Emergency Services (24/7) – 703-573-5679 (TTY 711) Fairfax Detoxification Center (24/7) – 703-502-7000(TTY 703-322-9080) CSB Entry & Referral Services – 703-383-8500 Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies Can’t make it to Drug Take Back Day? No problem. Learn about year-round prescription and over the counter medication disposal, including those prescribed by veterinarians. Our community partners The DEA Drug Take Back Day is coordinated by the Fairfax County Police Department in collaboration with the various Fairfax County government departments: the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, Health Department, Neighborhood and Community Services, Public Works and Environmental Services, and in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition and local businesses. For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Did you know that mental health professionals from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) are present in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)? Among the services offered for youth and families at the CSB, School-Based Teams are in select FCPS schools to enable students to attend behavioral health appointments with a therapist during the school day. A student or family may contact their student services staff (counselor, social worker or psychologist) to discuss eligibility for this service. Additionally, through the partnership between the CSB and FCPS, youth may access services through the Student Assistance Program (SAP). In response to the continued need for support for those affected by opioid use, the CSB’s Youth Medication-Assisted Treatment (YMAT) program, previously only offered at the Sharon Bulova Center in Merrifield, recently expanded to include a clinic at the Gerry Hyland Government Center in South County. This program uses a medical approach to stabilize and treat individuals so they may lead active and sustainable lives. Another exciting initiative launched over the summer is the availability to now access community-based behavioral health services for youth ages 5 to 18 and their families in more locations. These services are now available at three community centers throughout Fairfax County: Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, Hybla Valley Community Center, and James Lee Community Center. Healthy Minds and Healthy Families Healthy Minds Fairfax is a supportive resource providing guidance, direction, and assistance to youth and their families who have specialized behavioral health needs. One unique free service coordinated through Healthy Minds is Family Support Partners. These are trained parents of teens or young adults with mental health issues who are experienced in navigating systems to access services. To contact Healthy Minds, you may email DFSHealthyMinds@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7938. Gear up for Back to School with Lifesaving and Supportive Trainings The CSB’s Wellness Health Promotion and Prevention program provides regular trainings and presentations that educate and provide attendees with valuable tools that can be used to directly support youths in their lives. Additional information and upcoming training dates are available on the CSB website. Question, Persuade, and Refer – Suicide Prevention Training Talk. They hear you. – Underage Drinking Prevention Training Mental Health First Aid Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (REVIVE! Kit Training) Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for guidance and behavioral health resources at 703-383-8500 (TTY 711). CSB Emergency Services are available 24/7 at 703-573-5679 (TTY 711).

Help is on the way for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families living in Virginia who need support to improve their lives and wellbeing. State legislation was recently signed that expanded funding to provide services for individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability Waiver (often referred to as a DD Waiver) Priority One Wait List. This allows for significantly more waiver slots for Virginians with developmental disabilities.  Addressing a Critical Need Individuals on the DD Waiver Priority One Wait List have been given this designation in response to their high level of needed support. Support services are crucial for their daily living, personal care and community integration. With the expansion of available waiver slots, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) will work with stakeholders to arrange assistance for those who have been waiting for essential support. The Virginia 2024-2026 Biennium Budget allocated $247 million for 3,440 Priority One Waiver Slots. Legislation also updated rules on utilizing the waivers, extending additional flexibility to individuals seeking services, and providing additional support for administering the waiver process. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony in Roanoke, on June 25, 2024, signing of 18 bipartisan pieces of legislation that enhance support and accessibility for Virginians with developmental disabilities. Official Photo by Lori Massengill, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. Local Impact The CSB coordinates community-based supports for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities (the term "developmental disability" is now understood to include "intellectual disability" as well as autism and other developmental disabilities), and for individuals admitted to or discharged from state training centers and hospitals. CSB Support Coordinators help individuals and families identify their needs and link them to needed services and resources in the community. Supportive services provided by the CSB and contractors include medical, educational, employment, housing, transportation, legal, and problem-solving skills development services. Fairfax-Falls Church currently has 1,171 individuals on the Priority One Waiver Wait List. Waivers will be allocated on a schedule to support the reduction of individuals on the waitlist over the next few years. The waiver slots will be allocated to those with the highest level of need indicated by Critical Needs Score (CNS) through the Commonwealth Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services (DBHDS) established Waiver Slot Allocation Committee (WSAC) process. The expansion of services is expected to have a significant impact on the Fairfax-Falls Church community. For individuals with developmental disabilities, access to services means increased capacity for greater independence, improved quality of life, and enhanced opportunities for community participation. For families, it provides much-needed relief and support, allowing them to better care for their loved ones. The CSB is the "point of entry" to apply for services for residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church who have developmental disabilities. The agency has a webpage dedicated to providing updates on the DD Waiver process and recent developments. To learn more about the application process for services for persons with developmental disabilities and to schedule an appointment, please call 703-324-4400 (TTY 711) to contact an Intake Support Coordinator.