health | FFXnow

VDH: Child with measles visited Fort Belvoir medical center

Published January 12, 2026 at 11:15AM

The Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department at Fort Belvoir (via Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center/Facebook)

A preschool-aged child diagnosed with measles recently visited the medical center at Fort Belvoir, among other locations in the D.C. region, the Virginia Department of Health says.

The child, who lives in Northern Virginia, was present at the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department and Executive Medicine Suite (9300 DeWitt Loop) at Fort Belvoir between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and from 10 p.m. to midnight last Friday (Jan. 9), potentially exposing other patients, visitors and staff.

News

Fairfax County father who lost son to fentanyl seeks to raise awareness of crisis

By Cameron Delean / Inside NoVA

Published January 2, 2026 at 2:45PM

Mark Crutchfield (via LinkedIn/Inside NoVA)

Mark Crutchfield said his son Brandon was a typical teenager with a quick wit, a love for sports and acting and a knack for making others laugh — until he lost his life to a fentanyl overdose Nov. 4, 2022 at 20 years old.

Crutchfield, a Fairfax County resident and licensed counselor working in addiction treatment, said his son was raised on a strong anti-drug message, and he believed his son understood the risks of drug use. But, as the grieving father says, drugs do not discriminate.

News

Rabies confirmed in cat caught after recent Belle Haven attacks

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 8:30AM

The intersection of 13th Street and H Street in Belle Haven (via Google Maps)

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is urging community members to reach out if they or a pet came into contact with a rabid cat reported in Belle Haven last month.

The cat was captured after attacking “multiple people and pets” during the evening of Nov. 28 near the 13th Street and H Street intersection. Testing later confirmed that the animal had been infected with rabies, the FCHD announced on Friday (Dec. 5).

Countywide

After success with teens, Fairfax might focus opioid response on young adults

By Scott McCaffrey

Published November 26, 2025 at 9:15AM

Person spilling pills into their hand (photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash)

Having seen a major drop in opioid overdoses among teens, some Fairfax County supervisors want to focus prevention efforts on young adults.

The 18-to-24 and 25-to-34 age groups appear to be where services need to be intensified, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said during a Nov. 25 briefing on the county’s opioid services.

Countywide

Fairfax County adopts new massage therapy rules to promote professionalism, weed out bad actors

By Scott McCaffrey

Published November 20, 2025 at 11:45AM

Massage therapist pouring oil before massaging a client (photo by alan caishan on Unsplash)

A new massage ordinance adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Nov. 18) aims to be a compromise, ensuring the safety of clients and staff while addressing concerns about illicit activity, including human trafficking.

County supervisors voted unanimously in support of the amendment to the Fairfax County Code, replacing an ordinance that had been in effect since 2000.

News

VHC Health expands Tysons facility with imaging, women’s health services

By Angela Woolsey

Published November 7, 2025 at 2:45PM

The entrance to VHC Health's new Imaging and Cardiovascular Diagnostics Center in Tysons (courtesy VHC Health)

VHC Health patients will soon no longer have to trek to Arlington to receive mammograms or pregnancy support.

The nonprofit community health system recently expanded its Tysons Pavilion at 1760 Old Meadow Road with an imaging center, and it will launch a center focused on women’s health early next year.

News

Some Fairfax City councilmembers object to cost of joint health and community center project

By Jared Serre

Published October 20, 2025 at 2:45PM

The planned Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center from Layton Hall Drive and Blenheim Blvd (via City of Fairfax and Fairfax County)

The Fairfax City Council approved a handful of special exceptions for the forthcoming Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center last week, but not every official was on board.

Three of the councilmembers — Stacy Hall, Rachel McQuillen and Thomas Peterson — symbolically voted against each of the zoning requests at the council meeting last Tuesday (Oct. 14), though all items ultimately passed by a slim majority vote.

Around Town

Local eateries use desserts to raise funds for breast cancer research

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 16, 2025 at 3:45PM

Tatte at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

For the next week, desserts will be a force for good at several restaurants and bakeries in Fairfax County.

Tatte, Bourbon Boulevard and other local establishments are participating in this year’s Bakes for Breast Cancer, an annual fundraiser that encourages bakers to donate proceeds from their dessert sales to support breast cancer research.

News

County expands Franconia services with health center opening next week

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 1, 2025 at 1:45PM | Updated October 2, 2025 at 9:14AM

Shown from left at the new Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center are Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Dr. Kelly McDonough, Dr. Natalia Giscombe-Simons and Dr. Parham Jaberi of the Fairfax County Health Department (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Fairfax County officials will open new, expanded public health facilities next week in an underserved area.

“There is just so much for us to be thankful for. It’s a beautiful space for our clients and staff,” county health director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu said during a Sept. 26 sneak preview of the Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center.

News

Fairfax brings most competitors to 2025 Senior Olympics competition

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 16, 2025 at 2:45PM

1600-meter run competition at 2025 Senior Olympics (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Fairfax County again leads the region in the number of participants in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Those competitors are among a record contingent of 1,200 taking part in the 2025 event, which runs Sept. 13-Oct. 1 at venues across the region.