Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide 

City of Fairfax, Oct. 1, 2023

Location: Fairfax City Hall, Fairfax, VA

Event Timeline: 

* Check-in Time:11 a.m.

* Opening Ceremony Time: 12:30 p.m.

* Walk Start Time: 1 p.m.

* Event Ends: 2 p.m.

Register now https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=9056

Walk Chair: Andrea "Hobbit" Brown, Chair.FairfaxWalk@gmail.com

Deputy Walk Chair: Sydney Will DeputyChair.FairfaxWalk@gmail.com

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

Register here.

If you're looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources 

Suicide Prevention for Public Safety

Fairfax County has taken significant steps to establish a comprehensive suicide prevention program and provide invaluable resources for its public safety staff. At the heart of the county's commitment to suicide prevention is the establishment of a cutting-edge center, Fairfax County Public Safety Wellness Center. This center serves as a designated space where police, fire and rescue department personnel as well as supporting other public safety partners from the Department of Public Safety Communication, Department of Animal Services and the Health Department can seek help from professionals who are specially trained in addressing mental health concerns. By creating an accessible and confidential environment, the center aims to remove barriers and promote open dialogue about mental well-being.

What sets the Public Safety Wellness Center apart from other resources within the community is the tailored approach it offers to police and fire department personnel. The professionals at the center possess an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement and fire department staff, are able to build credibility and rapport to ensure a more empathetic and effective support system.

the center provides a wide range of services including individual counseling, group therapy sessions, stress management techniques, AcuDetox, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and workshops on mental health awareness.

The impact of these resources lies in the personal stories and testimonials shared by public safety personnel  who have used the services provided by the Wellness division or the new center. 

FCPD’s and FCFRD’s dedication to ongoing support and wellness initiatives demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the overall health and well-being of police and fire department personnel. By fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized, the departments are creating a safer and more resilient workforce resulting in safer communities.

Fairfax County’s focus on suicide prevention and the establishment of a center lets police and fire department personnel know they are not alone in their struggles. By providing access to compassionate professionals and tailored resources, the department aims to enhance the mental well-being of its staff and create a culture of openness and support.