Fairfax County Prevention Starts With Community
Who We Are
The FPC uses community voice, youth leadership, local data, and cross-sector partnerships to address substance misuse prevention in ways that are responsive to Fairfax County’s needs.
Our Work
The Fairfax Prevention Coalition’s work includes youth-led Photovoice projects, community cleanups, prevention outreach, safe medication disposal education, partner trainings, and local resource sharing.
Youth Voices Take Center Stage at “Fall in Love with the Highway”
The Fairfax Prevention Coalition Youth Team brought youth voice, creativity, and community pride to life through the “Fall in Love with the Highway” Youth Photovoice Event.
Through photography and storytelling, youth captured the beauty, challenges, and opportunities they see along the Route 1 corridor. Their photos highlighted what they love about their community, what they hope will change, and how young people can be part of creating safer, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.
Youth helped lead every part of the project — from taking photos and writing captions to planning the event, promoting it, and leading a panel discussion with community members and local leaders. The event was even covered by local publication The Zebra Press. The FPC Youth Team also created an inspiring Instagram video featuring testimonials during the event (video here).
This event showed what happens when young people are given space to lead: they bring honesty, creativity, and powerful ideas for positive change.
Youth Turn Community Ideas into Action Through Cleanup Event
After identifying areas of concern through their Photovoice project, members of the Fairfax Prevention Coalition Youth Team took the next step: action.
On June 7, 2026 youth partnered with Clean Fairfax and the Fairfax County Park Authority for a community cleanup around Sequoyah Community Center, a nearby creek, Mount Vernon Woods Park, and Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
The cleanup was about more than picking up litter. Youth talked about community beautification, mental health, substance use prevention, homelessness awareness, and the importance of caring for shared spaces.
The Youth Team hopes to continue cleanup projects as an ongoing initiative. We are so proud of the Alexandria FPC Youth Team for making a difference in their community!
The Youth Team members created a video of the event featuring reflections from members, footage of the cleanup, and encouraging messages to community members to participate in cleanups.
FPC Supports Safe Medication Disposal Through Drug Take Back Days
This year, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition continued its support of National Drug Take Back Days, working with Fairfax County Police Department stations and the Drug Enforcement Administration to promote safe medication disposal across the county on two Take Back Days in October 2025 and April 2026.
FPC helped share outreach materials, promote collection sites, recruit volunteers, and encourage coalition members and partners to spread the word.
Across the two Drug Take Back Day events, Fairfax County community members safely disposed of more than 1,800 pounds of expired or unused medications.
Safe medication disposal is an important prevention strategy. Removing unused medications from homes helps reduce the risk of misuse, accidental poisoning, and unsafe access to prescription drugs.
Join the next National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
More information to come!
Your Voice Can Help Prevent Substance Misuse in Fairfax County
Prevention works best when the whole community is involved. Whether you are a parent, student, educator, service provider, faith leader, business owner, or concerned resident, there is a role for you in building a healthier Fairfax County.
How to Get Involved
Upcoming Events
Come to the All-Hands Cookout – July 29th
Come to the Cookout, meet new friends and colleagues and build community in an afternoon of games, food, and fun
Calling All Youth Leaders! Help With Substance Misuse Prevention
The FPC Youth Team is a youth-led group that plans and leads substance misuse prevention activities in their schools and communities throughout the county.
Young Adult Survey on Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Virginia Youth – Tell us your experiences and opinions on substance use and mental health. You can receive a gift card from Target, Walmart or Chipotle.