Health Department

  The application window for the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program's Spring 2025 cohort has been extended. The deadline for submitting completed applications is now 8:00am on Monday, February 3, 2025. The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) trains 10th through 12th grade high school students across Fairfax County about methods to reduce opioid use, teen mental health issues, and becoming a Community Health Worker. PHYAP provides certifications from two nationally-know public health institutions (Morehouse College and George Mason University) in each of those areas during its Fall and Spring cohorts. Since PHYAP’s inception, the program is proud to have partnered with three outstanding Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), where our Community Health Worker curriculum is offered during day sessions: John R. Lewis High School, Justice High School, and Mount Vernon High School. Students who qualify can take part in lessons and hands-on activities led by trained PHYAP facilitators three days a week during their advisory period. For high-school aged students who do not attend Lewis, Mount Vernon, or Justice but wish to become a Youth Ambassador, program sessions are offered outside of regular class hours at the Fairfax County Government Center. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday each week, while our weekend class is held each Saturday morning. Whether a student attends private school, a faith-based school, is homeschooled, or goes to a non-partner Fairfax County Public School, they have the chance to jumpstart their secondary school and career engagement in the expanding community health field. Learn more about the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program.  

Winter weather and extreme cold temperatures have arrived in Fairfax County this week, and it’s important to take precautions to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Ensure your snow days stay fun by taking protective actions --- staying informed, limiting your exposure, and avoiding situations that increase your risk of injury. 1. Stay Informed Weather conditions can change rapidly during the winter. Sign up for Fairfax Alerts to stay informed about road closures, severe weather warnings, and evacuation orders. Familiarize yourself with the county’s emergency resources, including shelters and warming centers. Fairfax County’s snow guide, available here, contains the latest county guidance on snow situations. Fairfax County’s emergency blog contains the latest information from the county on emergency preparedness and response efforts, including guidance for residents. 2. Prepare for Power Outages Winter storms have the potential to cause power outages, which can disrupt heating, lighting, and refrigeration. When using generators and fireplaces, ensure they are properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always keep a carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries in your home. Stock up on flashlights and extra batteries and avoid using candles as they pose a fire hazard. Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor food safety. If the power goes out, food is safe as long as the fridge stays below 40°F. Use coolers with ice to preserve perishable items if necessary and keep an eye on any temperature-sensitive medications you may have. Learn more about food safety and power outages here. 3. Limit Your Exposure Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, which are both serious conditions. Dress in layers, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, and waterproof outerwear. Cover your head, hands, and feet with gloves, hats, and thick socks. Limit outdoor exposure as much as possible, especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. 4. Plan for Medical Needs, including Durable Medical Equipment (DME) If you or a family member relies on medical equipment requiring electricity, contact your utility company to register for priority restoration and have a backup power source. Refill prescriptions before severe weather arrives to ensure you don’t run out. Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including your healthcare provider and local emergency services. For Durable Medical Equipment (DME) users: Ensure you have extra batteries or a manual backup for your equipment. Contact your DME provider to discuss emergency options and verify that your equipment is functioning properly before a storm hits. Keep a list of nearby suppliers or repair services so that you’re ready if needed. 5. Prevent Injuries Wear footwear with good traction when outside and keep walkways clear. Shoveling snow can strain the heart from overexertion. Take frequent breaks, lift with your legs (not your back), and avoid overexertion. 6. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors Community support is vital during winter emergencies. Check on older adults, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Offer assistance with grocery shopping, snow removal, or other tasks.

  During its annual meeting in December 2024, the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax elected a new co-chair, welcomed new members to the steering committee, and said good-bye to two dedicated staff members who are retiring. Members also received an update on the progress of compiling the Health Department’s 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). First formed in 2010, the Partnership is a coalition of community members and organizations that are working together to explore new approaches for addressing critical public health issues. This is a widely diverse group of individuals, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, faith communities and government agencies. During the meeting, India Richards was elected to serve a three-year term as co-chair of the Partnership, sharing leadership duties with Deron Campbell, who continues his first term as co-chair. Ms. Richards has dedicated her career to advancing community health through leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts.  She is currently a project manager at Health Care Dynamics International, where she leads a team overseeing the development and execution of healthcare programs. Ms. Richards will take over duties from Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, whose term has now ended. New members of the Partnership’s steering committee were introduced to attendees. Attorney Kristi Guillory, Manisha Maskay, and George Mason University professor Xiaoquan Zhao will begin their terms of service this month.  Diane Charles, Manager of the Fairfax Food Council and Susan Sanow, Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Program Manager, were recognized for their commitment to the vision of healthier communities and the mission of the Partnership and the Partnership Teams. Both are now retired from Fairfax County.  Carrie Cannon, MPA, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Health Department, has been named as Interim Program Manager until a new manger is hired. Meeting attendees also heard a progress report on the creation of the next Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).  Sarah White, Strategic Partnerships Manager in the Health Department’s Division of Community Health Development, described the process of collecting input on various public health issues from individuals and organizations in Fairfax County and the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax. They gathered important feedback that will be of critical importance and serve as a basis for determining the priority health issues the CHIP will address. White shared that work groups are forming now to create action steps that can be taken to address the identified issues, with a particular focus on communities that experience the greatest health disparities. Learn more about the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax, and what you can do to get involved by visiting the Live Healthy Fairfax webpage.