The opioid crisis continues to be a significant concern in Fairfax County. In 2018, preliminary counts show a total of 68 opioid related deaths in Fairfax County. While this number is less than the number of deaths reported in 2017 and 2016, there is still much work to be done to get that number down to zero. Over the past few budget cycles, the Board of Supervisors has allocated funds to address the opioid crisis in our community. Here are some of the things we have accomplished so far:

• Eight drug disposal boxes are installed at Fairfax County district police stations. These boxes add to the 12 boxes located at area health care sites and pharmacies.

• The FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAP) started in December 2018 in seven schools. As of January 2019, 57 students were referred for screening, referrals and resources. FCPS hired six substance abuse prevention specialists and our CSB staff hired two behavioral health clinicians to support the SAP program.

• As of December 2018, the CSB has trained over 2,100 people in the community and at the Adult Detention Center on Revive!, Virginia's Opioid Overdose and Naloxone training. So far, the pharmacy at the CSB Merrifield Center has dispensed over 1,000 boxes of the overdose reversal medication.

• The Fairfax County Adult Drug Court launched in November 2018 and currently has six active participants.

• In November 2018, the Sheriff's Office launched an intensive treatment and recovery program in the Adult Detention Center. There are plans to expand the program for men this year, as well as open a recovery unit for women.

• The Police Department's Overdose Investigation Unit is fully operational. Technical support software has been purchased to improve the Police Department's capacity to investigate overdose deaths through technology.

• Epidemiologists at the Health Department completed the first iteration of a comprehensive data dashboard to share key opioid data internally. A public version of the data dashboard is expected to be available in the spring of 2019.

• A public relations firm has been selected to assist Fairfax County in using nontraditional social media methods to reach residents ages 22 - 34 to communicate awareness and treatment options.

In 2019, the work of the Opioid Task Force will continue, focusing on initiatives that were not completed in the first year and expanding on those that have been successful. Additional initiatives are being considered that will examine the impact of Medicaid Expansion on treatment and the high percentage of opioid deaths that involve a fentanyl or a fentanyl analog. Funding in the amount of $2.80 million is included in the FY 2020 Advertised Budget Plan to continue addressing the growing opioid epidemic though the efforts of the Opioid Task Force.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has been committed to getting the Metrorail in a state of good repair. We support WMATA's efforts to complete years of backlogged maintenance on the rail system to provide safe, reliable service for our community.

There will be some big changes for the Yellow and Blue Metrorail lines this summer in Fairfax County. An extended shutdown of Blue and Yellow Metrorail stations is scheduled between Memorial Day (May 27) and Labor Day (September 2). WMATA has announced multiple Metrorail closures including Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, Huntington, Eisenhower Avenue, King St-Old Town, and Braddock Road stations. Fairfax County has been coordinating with surrounding jurisdictions and our regional transportation partners like the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) on identifying alternative transportation options for customers.

 

The outdoor concrete platforms have been exposed to the weather elements for over thirty-five years and they are deteriorating at an accelerated pace. Extensive concrete repair is needed at Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, Huntington, Eisenhower Avenue, King St-Old Town, and Braddock Road stations.

 

WMATA evaluated repair operations with the stations remaining open versus complete closures. The complete closures were less disruptive for customers and WMATA alike. Providing 24/7 track access substantially reduces project duration, is safer, and costs less. WMATA staff estimate completion of restoration of platforms would take three months versus three years with a partial closure.  In addition to the Metrorail platform repairs, WMATA will be improving station and customer amenities such as lighting, tile work and signage.

 

WMATA will provide project updates and information on alternative transportation options at www.wmata.com/platforms. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will be presenting a mitigation plan in the near future.

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The Fairfax County Public Library system has launched a new online reference service called Ask Your Library. It's easy to chat with Library staff:

 

Questions can be submitted 24/7. Live chat with staff is available Monday - Thursday, 10am - 12pm, 2 - 4pm and 6 - 8pm. Friday live chat is 10am - 12pm and 2 - 4pm.

 

Staff invite questions on any subject including traditional reference questions, questions about accounts, library services, programs or other topics. Seeking book recommendations? Visit My Perfect Read and select a Reader Advisor to work with.

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The 2019 Northern Virginia Positive Aging and Wellness Fair will be held on Monday, April 8 from 8:45am - 4:00pm at the Fairfax County Government Center. The event will provide useful information to educate and inspire adults to achieve a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle as they age. Highlights include workshops, exhibitors and Keynote Speaker Pat Collins, general assignment reporter for News4.  Admission is FREE, and lunch is available for pre-purchase. Click here for more information and to register: www.positiveagingfair.com.  Limited transportation to and from the event is available. This event is hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) and Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. (CFI), in collaboration with Fairfax County.

Friday, March 8th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Ages 3-Adult) Enjoy a campfire, s'mores, animals and more at Hidden Pond Nature Center. For more information, call 703-451-9588. Registration $8: Register Online.

 

Saturday, March 9th, 2:00pm - 3:30pm ( Ages Adults)   Getting the Vote: Researching Women's History. Celebrating Women's History Month with local historian Leigh Kitcher at Patrick Henry Library. Co-sponsored with Vienna AAUW. 

 

Sunday, March 10th, 1:30pm Winter Lecture: Vegetables Love Flowers: (Ages Adults) Learn how to grow an organic garden with Flower Farmer Lisa Ziegler at Green Spring. For more information, call 703-642-5173. Registration $10: Register Online.

 

Friday, March 15th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm (Ages 3-Adult) Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour at Frying Pan Farm Park and learn how their farm animals settle down for the night. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, call 703-437-9101. Registration $10: Register Online.

 

Sunday, March 17th, 2019 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Ages 12-Adult)  Virtual Reality Station : Come try out the PlayStation virtual reality system and immerse yourself in your gaming experience at Pohick Regional Library!

 

Sunday, March 17th, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm (Ages Teen-Adult) History of World War II: Dr. Harry Butowsky of George Mason University presents part 1 of his 6-part lecture series on World War II: On Our Way, USA 1939-1942. In Reston Meeting Room 1 , Reston Meeting Room 2, Reston Regional Library.

 

Friday, March 22nd 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Ages Teen-Adult) View Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light , which tells the story of the African American people who found freedom, equality and brotherhood in Paris during the early 20th century. Julia Browne, owner of Walking the Spirit Tours in Paris, France, will provide a short presentation and participate on a panel discussion. Registration required . The board auditorium at Fairfax County Government Center.

 

Sunday, March 24th, 7:00pm (All Ages) Come see  Valerie Smith and her band of talented musicians for a night of from-the-heart bluegrass music. Doors open at 6 p.m., show time is 7 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Frying Pan Park Visitor Center. More Details: Download Flyer or  Buy Tickets.