I joined Fairfax County Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu (pictured) for the Fight Suicide Walkathon this past Saturday, Aug. 21 at Lake Fairfax Park. It was empowering to take steps (literally) to help spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. You can also help by sharing the resources noted below with friends and family members.

Mental health crises are also affecting our public safety resources. Fairfax County is regularly responding to 9-1-1 calls that deploy our police officers to respond to calls that are principally mental and behavioral health crises, as opposed to criminal activity. Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and I got the ball rolling on this issue in a Board Matter in July 2020. Some steps have been taken to address this issue, but much more work needs to be done.

Mental health is a difficult subject to discuss and address. However it is essential, especially as we continue through the pandemic, that we take care of ourselves and those we love. If you have additional questions about mental health resources in the county, please email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.

On Monday, the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16 and older. The vaccine, which will now be marketed under the brand name “Comirnaty,” continues to be available under emergency use authorization, for ages 12 to 15 and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised people. Learn more.

Fairfax County is administering relief for renters experiencing a negative financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the NEW Fairfax County Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program. Through this program, you can apply (or your landlord may apply on your behalf) to receive funds to pay delinquent rent or utility arrear payments back to March 13, 2020. Learn more.

Fairfax County's Active and Thriving Community Grants Program assists small businesses and nonprofits (outlined below) experiencing negative economic impacts of the pandemic. The program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act to address and mitigate financial hardship and/or implement COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics. To be eligible, an applicant must be a small business or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing these services:

Applications will be accepted through the online portal starting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31 until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14. Learn more

On Saturday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 9, Stuff the Bus will be collecting non-perishable food donations at 21 locations throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. Help fight hunger and feed hope in our community by donating. For updates, including donation locations, most requested food items and more, visit Stuff the Bus

Work is underway by the Virginia Department of Transportation to replace the weight-restricted (ten tons) one-lane Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) bridge over Colvin Run to reduce congestion and improve operations and safety. The new bridge will have two lanes separated by a median/splitter island. The project also includes an improved trail crossing south of the bridge, landscaping in the median/splitter island, and abutments for a new trail bridge over Colvin Run (Fairfax County will construct the trail bridge in the future). The existing bridge, built in 1974, averages 8,500 vehicles a day based on 2019 data. The $5.2 million project is financed with federal, state and Fairfax County funding. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2022. Learn more.

Earlier this week I participated in the Capital Bikeshare installation ribbon cutting at Southgate Community Center. Capital Bikeshare has become a very popular addition to our multi-modal choices in Reston and the Hunter Mill District. Fairfax County's Department of Transportation is adding 19 new stations in our community. Learn more.

The Community Police 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. The fall session will meet Sept. 16 to Nov. 20 and applications are now being accepted. Learn more.

Virginia Chamber Orchestra at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in September

The Virginia Chamber Orchestra will present professional ensemble concerts for socially distanced audiences, free with admission to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens ($3 to $6), 3 to 4 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Each concert will include one work by a distinguished woman composer. Learn more.

Due Oct. 5, car tax bills are being mailed now to county residents. The low supply and high demand for used and new cars are pushing prices to record levels, which means approximately 12% of residents will see an increase in their car tax bills because of the pandemic. Learn more.

Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, Sept. 6, in honor of the Labor Day holiday. However, some facilities are open and schedules vary. Learn more.

Join local tour guide Jim Lewis virtually Sept. 27 to learn about the Historic Hunter Mill Road Corridor between Oakton and Reston. This area is a treasure trove of local history dating back to the Civil War. Learn more

Join AARP Virginia and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University for the Boomers and Beyond Academy, Sept. 18, 21 and 23. The three-day virtual event will provide tips for determining if you are on track for a secure financial retirement, information for understanding your Social Security benefits, details on Medicare costs and coverage and more. Learn more.