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Friends,
The magnitude and loss of life following the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left me with a heavy heart, and I know it has left our community feeling the same way. The images of the destruction and the impact that it has had on millions of people is hard to fathom. However, even in this darkest of moments, the goodness of the human condition is on full display. Almost immediately, the international community began to mobilize, sending aid and rescuers to help find those who were still trapped. The United States and specifically, Fairfax County, was no exception.
Dozens of members of our elite Urban Search and Rescue Team, known as Virginia Task Force-1 (VATF-1), were activated, mobilized and arrived in Turkey in the early hours of February 8th to aid in search and rescue efforts. VATF-1 is no stranger to Turkey having responded to the earthquakes that rocked the country in 1999 as well. Activated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for international missions and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for domestic missions, VATF-1’s mission history is extensive. From Turkey to Florida, we send our best when others are experiencing their worst.
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Rescue team searching for survivors. (Photo courtesy of USAID's Instagram.) | |
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While we hope that VATF-1 never has to deploy, we recognize that natural disasters are inevitable. It is for this reason that the men and women who fill the ranks from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are a point of pride for us. This, however, would not be possible without you, our residents. For years, our residents have understood the value of investing in County services, and public safety is a major one of those. Through those investments we have been able to create, develop, and maintain top tier public safety agencies. And, because of those investments we are able to tangibly assist our fellow citizens at home and fellow humans abroad.
Our values and reflection of who we are as an international community are on full display and that is something to be proud of. As Turkey and Syria begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding, I ask that we keep those impacted in our thought and prayers, including the many families living in Fairfax County with direct ties to these communities. As for the many members of our community who have reached out asking how they can help, below you will find a list of trusted organizations providing assistance abroad.
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One of the 12 specially trained canines. (Photo courtesy of USAID's Instagram.) | |
- Black-Owned Businesses
- Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
- Opioid Task Force Updates
- Chairman's Champion: Nate Mook
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What's happening? To continue our Black History Month celebration, we would like to take the time to recognize Black-owned businesses that are making a difference in our County.
Tell me more! According to the US Census Bureau, Black-owned businesses in Fairfax County generate more $1.8 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 11,00 people. There is a total of 639 Black-owned businesses in our County, which is the highest number of any locality in Virginia.
Where can I read about these businesses? If you would like to read more about some of the Black-owned businesses in Fairfax County check out Fairfax County Economic Development Authority's latest newsletter where they feature Black business leaders, their companies, and even have a short video where they sit down and chat with President, founder, and Chairman of Thompson Hospitality, Warren Thompson.
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month | |
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What's happening? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Now is a wonderful time to raise awareness about the impacts of dating violence on youth, educate about healthy relationships, and encourage our community to get involved and stop the cycles of violence in teen dating!
Tell me more! The County is hosting a Teen Talent Showcase on Friday, February 24th at 5pm in the Sully Community Center. There will be art related to healthy relationships, dating violence, and consent displayed and performed. They will also have food, arts & crafts, and more!
Anything else? For County provided services and hotlines see the list below:
- Domestic and Sexual Violence 24/7 – 703-360-7273
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Learn to recognize the signs of abuse in dating! | |
Opioid Task Force Updates | |
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What's happening? Recognizing the public health challenge that substance abuse presents, the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force has been hard at work in continuing to advance in various programs/activities for adults and youths who have been impacted by opioid use disorder and overdoses.
What's the plan to help? The County has released a detailed response plan for fiscal years 2023-25 that can be found here: Fairfax County Opioid Response Plan. Currently, there are a number of programs available to our residents, some of which include:
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Fairfax NewsCenter published this article that provides information on fentanyl, signs of overdose, actions community members can take and available County resources.
Anything else? REVIVE! - Community training will now be offered virtually but the in-person classes include a free REVIVE! kit! And if you or someone you know needs help, check out this list of contacts below:
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Stay safe and stay informed! | |
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What happened? In our recent Board meeting I joined Supervisor Alcorn in presenting a Resolution to recognize Nate Mook for his accomplishments and contributions as CEO of World Central Kitchen.
Tell me more! World Central Kitchen provides chef-prepared meals to communities after they have been impacted by natural disasters and during humanitarian crises. Under Nate’s leadership, World Central Kitchen has served over 60 million meals while also helping communities to build sustainable food systems.
Anything else? Nate is a Reston native who graduated from South Lakes High School. We congratulate and thank Nate for his exceptional accomplishments during his tenure as CEO of World Central Kitchen.
If you would like to highlight a person or an organization that has been a champion in our community, email us suggestions at chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov. They may just be featured in our next edition of Chairman’s Champion!
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Nate Mook receiving his Resolution. | |
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Vaccine Resources:
COVID-19 Resources:
- Fairfax County Health Department
- To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily.
- Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs.
- To view multilingual health materials visit the County's Language Portal.
- Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777. Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
- Call the Health Department from 9am-5pm weekdays: 703-267-3511
- Email: ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
- Inova has a helpful FAQ.
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Scan below to watch the Chairman's State of the County address! | | |
Contact my Office
| 703.324.2321 |
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