SPAN Newsletter

June 2026

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SPAN is bringing you the latest trainings, events, resources, and related news on suicide prevention in the Northern Virginia region. Please take a look at the offerings below, and feel free to reach out at suicidepreventionnva@fairfaxcounty.gov or take a look at our website https://www.suicidepreventionnva.org.

SPAN Highlights

SPAN Webinar Recording Available

From Signs to Support: What to Do When Someone You Love Is Struggling



A recording of a virtual fireside chat featuring NAMI Northern Virginia and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention from May 18, 2026 

We discuss how to support someone you care about who may be experiencing mental health challenges. This conversation explores how to recognize when someone may be struggling, common warning signs to watch for, and how to start a caring, supportive conversation using helpful and respectful language. The webinar also covers what steps to take after that conversation and share important resources. This is a valuable opportunity for community members, families, and partners to learn practical ways to respond with compassion and connection.

SPAN at Mental Health Action Day in Alexandria

Allen Lomax, SPAN Chair and Noraine Buttar, SPAN Leadership Council member represented SPAN at the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria’s Mental Health Action Day on Thursday, May 21 at Jefferson Houston School. This year’s theme, More Good Days, Together, reminds us that a good day can begin with hope, kindness and community. SPAN provided sixty middle school students with a goody bag of suicide prevention resources and fun items such as sunglasses and stress balls. Students rotated through interactive sessions of yoga, virtual reality and painting.

Resources

Five Things You Should Know: Mental Health Spotlight

Please see below for a mental health spotlight from the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria!

Each May, communities around the country recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month to address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Mental health is part of everyday life. It shapes how we think, feel, connect with others, and move through the world.

Nationally, nearly one in five youth will experience a mental health challenge such as depression or anxiety at some point during their life. Making a plan to to support your mental health can help you take care of yourself and others. Here are five tips for maintaining positive mental health this month and year-round.

Pay attention to your feelings

Remember that it is okay to feel unhappy sometimes. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.

Practice self-care

It is important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

They don’t actually reduce stress: in fact, they often worsen it. If you’re struggling with substance use, misuse, or abuse, help is available.

Find support

Whether it’s with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, airing out and talking can help. Consider attending a free support group provided by NAMI Northern Virginia.  If you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Know when to seek help

If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available. Information about behavioral health services for children and families in Alexandria can be found here.

Click here to review other local and national resources for getting help.

The Conversation Every Person Needs to Hear About Mental Health & Substance Use

Addiction Interrupted: A CVARR Podcast

What if the substance use you’re seeing is not the only real problem — but a symptom of something deeper? In this powerful May Mental Health Awareness Month episode of Addiction Interrupted, Teegan Deuso and Carl Mack sit down with Stephanie Marquesano for an honest and emotional conversation about the hidden connection between mental health and substance use.

Find Help At Your Local CSB