News Briefs
Black History Event Planned for Feb. 19
Fairfax County Public Schools will celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Woodson High, 9525 Main. St. in Fairfax. This event is hosted by the FCPS Chief Equity Office and is free and open to the public.
The theme, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future,” will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. Planned is an inspiring evening of performances, reflections and community via speakers, plus a student choir and dances.
Etta Willson, Linneall Naylor and Rondia Prescott – three of the authors of the book, “Black Communities of Fairfax: A History” – will participate in a panel discussion. And throughout the program, Woodson students will be quoting from their book.
Blood Donors Are Urgently Needed
Multiple traumatic incidents and other medical emergencies have left INOVA’s blood inventory for Type O blood critically low. All blood types are needed, but a boost to the supply of Type O blood will help patients in need significantly. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit inovablood.org to schedule an appointment.
GMU Offers Mental-Health Services
George Mason University’s Center for Community Mental Health, at 9900 Main St., suite 400, in the City of Fairfax, provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The center sees children as young as age 5, works with community members of various ages, and addresses the mental-health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To learn more about the center, visit https://ccmh.gmu.edu/.
Community Police Academy Applications for Spring
Interested in learning more about local law enforcement? The Community Police Academy is now accepting applications for the Spring session that will meet from March 13 to May 17. This academy is designed to give participants a glimpse behind the badge and to provide information about training, policies and the many units and divisions within the Fairfax County Police Department. For further information and to apply, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/ServicesAH/CommunityPoliceAcademy.
Housing and Homelessness Meeting, Jan. 30
Fairfax City held a community meeting Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6-8 p.m., to obtain community feedback to inform the City’s Affordable Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan. Fairfax is seeking input from people who’ve experienced housing-affordability challenges in the City before it finalizes its plan this summer.
The meeting was held at Fairfax Presbyterian Church, 10723 Main St. in Fairfax.
The strategic plan will build on the foundational knowledge of the housing market and conditions of Fairfax City, planned ongoing development, plus community priorities and goals established in the 2023 Housing Assessment & Strategy Report and the 2024 Homelessness Task Force report.
https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/community-development-planning/planning/current-studies-projects-plans/housing-assessment