Health Department

On Feb. 7, 2025, the Fairfax County Health Department welcomed partners from local skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to its annual Skilled Nursing Facility Symposium. This full-day event provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to enhance their infection prevention and control (IPC) skills, exchange best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration.  “The symposium, and the health department’s collaboration with SNFs throughout the year, reflect the value we and our partners place on protecting some of the county’s most vulnerable residents from seasonal threats like flu and ongoing challenges such as multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs),” said Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Fairfax County Health Department’s director of epidemiology. “It’s been great to see relationships continue to deepen and participation in the symposium grow each year.”  Since its inception in 2018, the symposium has served as a key resource for SNF staff, offering expert-led sessions on emerging public health concerns, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement initiatives. This year’s event focused on pressing issues such as respiratory illness updates, antimicrobial stewardship, and improving hospital-SNF communication.  Attendees engaged in discussions on COVID-19 vaccination compliance, laboratory specimen collection, and strategies for managing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Other highlights included sessions on Candida auris prevention, enhanced barrier precautions, and the importance of education in infection control.  The Fairfax County Health Department extends its gratitude to all speakers and participants for making the 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Symposium a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition of learning, collaboration, and innovation in the years to come.  Learn more about local public health and the Fairfax County Health Department.

How did you come to work at the Health Department? How long have you been at the Health Department? I have been with the Fairfax County Health Department for 4 years, but I have been working with the county for 5 years. After 10-years as a Public Health Analyst in the United States Department of Health and Human Services, I transitioned to local government and have not looked back.  What is your role at the Health Department?   I am the Health Safety Net Coordinator for the Fairfax County Health Department. It is a small but mighty team that works to engage, develop, support, provide subject matter expertise, technical assistance, and leverage existing relationships with safety net community providers (e.g., Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), free clinics, and others), local health systems (e.g., INOVA), and other Fairfax County government agencies (e.g., Community Services Board, Department of Family Services, and others) to expand access, foster service integration among its various partnerships, improve population health, and increase equity across patient populations.  What inspired you to work in public health?   It was a combination of academic and life experience. I have always wanted a career in healthcare, but also wanted to have an impact on communities, especially places where socioeconomic factors impede the ability of residents to live optimal lives. As a kid, I wanted to be a dentist. In high school, that changed when I injured my knee playing football as I was inspired when the orthopedic surgeon showed me pictures of the procedure and I learned that he was a former NFL doctor! In college, I majored in sports medicine, aspiring to be an orthopedic surgeon. However, the arrow pointing toward public health changed during my Senior year in one of my health studies classes. While studying the top chronic conditions in the U.S., we looked at a CDC chart highlighting AIDS cases over time that showed African American cases rising while other racial/ethnic populations declined or remained steady. This stark disparity planted a mustard seed of inquiry to look further into population health disparities (a burgeoning topic at the time), which eventually led to learning more about public health. What finally sold me into public health was the multidisciplinary platform it utilizes to improve population health. Keyword: multidisciplinary. It takes more than one discipline, more than one person, more than one approach. It’s a shared responsibility. It wasn’t just about chronic conditions but the underlying factors, largely socioeconomic, that impact optimal health and well-being. My desire to work in healthcare and experiences growing up as a "city-kid” felt like a natural fit into a field where I could be a team player contributing to the greater well-being of society. What is something that you wish people knew or understood better about your job?  It is a challenge to obtain understanding that we do not provide direct client services or manage a specific program, like chronic disease intervention. Our work is primarily in engagement, relationship, and partnership building.  We support our partners financially and non-financially (e.g., technical assistance, subject matter expertise). Yes, we have goals, objectives, and support our work with data as well as utilize evidence-based studies. On the other hand, we are also guided by values recognizing systemic inequities experienced by individuals with limited resources and/or circumstances.    Can you describe a time when our community has inspired you/your work?   I am inspired by learning from individuals with more experience, knowledge, and insight. As a kid, I always loved listening to stories because you get to learn about others. For me this is a lifelong journey, so watching, listening, and learning from, people that I work with (directly or indirectly), is inspiring enough

Valentine’s Day - the holiday of love and indulging in sugary, sweet treats. Whether you're treating yourself or someone special, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season’s sweetness with nutrition in mind.  5 Facts About Sugar:  Natural Sugars vs. Added Sugars. Not all sugars affect your body in the same way. Naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables come with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while added sugars in processed foods contribute empty calories and may spike your blood sugar levels. When you’re craving something sweet, opt for fruit to reap both flavor and nutrition.  Sugar’s Role in Weight and Inflammation. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and increased inflammation, which are linked to long-term health risks such as heart disease and diabetes. To stay on track, enjoy sugar in moderation and prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods that keep your energy levels stable.  The Reality of the "Sugar Crash." After consuming sugary snacks, many people experience an energy dip. This is due to the rapid spike and fall in blood sugar levels. Instead of reaching for more sugar, try filling up on foods like whole grains and fruits, which provide steady energy throughout the day.  Your Taste Buds Can Adjust to Less Sugar. Cutting back on sugar is possible, and your taste buds can adapt! Over time, you’ll start to enjoy the natural sweetness in fruits and vegetables. Reducing sugar gradually can help curb cravings and make healthier options more appealing.  Not All Sweeteners Are the Same. Although artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthier alternative, they can have negative effects, such as bloating or cravings for more sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier option, natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can provide sweetness without spiking your blood sugar.  Sugar Myths and Truths  Myth 1: Sugar-Free Products Are Always Healthy  Truth: Just because something is sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Many sugar-free items still contain unhealthy fats, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Always check the nutrition label to understand what you're consuming.  Myth 2: Sugar Causes Diabetes on Its Own  Truth: Sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes, but a high intake of added sugars can contribute to insulin resistance, which is a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Focus on a balanced diet and limiting sugar to reduce your risk.  Myth 3: All Sugars Are the Same  Truth: The sugar found in whole fruits is different from the added sugar in processed foods. Fruits provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which balance the impact of their natural sugars on your body.  Myth 4: Honey and Agave Are Healthier Than Sugar  Truth: While honey and agave syrup are less processed than refined sugar, they still have a similar effect on blood sugar. Moderation is important with all types of sweeteners.  Myth 5: Fruits Are Too Sugary and Should Be Avoided  Truth: Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and their natural sugars are absorbed more slowly than the sugar in processed sweets. Enjoying fruit as part of a balanced diet is both healthy and satisfying.