DCHS News Releases, Events, Trainings and Opportunities Hub
Events, Trainings and Activities
FENTANYL AWARENESS DAY EVENT
Last year, more than 70,000 Americans overdosed on illegally made fentanyl. This event will feature education, demonstrations, treatment information, health resources, free distribution of Narcan (r) overdose medication and test strips for fentanyl and other drugs. Please join us to help friends and loved ones prevent further tragedies. May 7 at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center Café (4850 Mark Center Dr.) Learn more.
drug take back day
Drug take back day provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians. The next Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. See flyer for details.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The City’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is sponsoring the following activities and events:
- Attend “Embrace Your Voice,” annual poetry share on April 11 from 6- 8:30 p.m.at the Lee Center ( 108 Jefferson St.) Register as a poet or attendee.
- Join the planting of the Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Awareness on April 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Charles Hill Park. See how to plant your own pinwheel garden.
- Wear denim on April 24 and post with #DenimDay to support survivors of sexual violence.
- Look for Sexual Assault Center coasters and coffee sleeves at local restaurants to encourage coffee drinkers in need to access help.
- See the Clothesline Project, which addresses violence against women through clothing decorated to express their emotions. A display will be at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) through April.
- Donate to the Sexual Assault Center.
- Meet the City of Alexandria employees who provide support to those affected by sexual assault by following DCHS on Facebook or Twitter.
MENtal health first aid training
DCHS offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for laypersons and paraprofessionals. MHFA is an eight-hour training and certification on skills to help persons who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training demonstrates the initial help given to a person showing signs of mental illness or a mental health crisis. More information about the course is available. Re-certification is available online, or by taking the full course again. See flyer to register for upcoming training sessions.
Q.P.R. Suidice prevention training
The three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Participants trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. This training is available in virtual and in-person formats. View flyer for details.
Understanding aces: building self-healing communities
New dates coming soon! Learn about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how you can support children and adults impacted by them. View flyer for additional details and upcoming training.
Personal finance and career building virtual workshops
City of Alexandria residents may register for these free virtual workshops by calling 703.746.5700 or email brandon.hare@alexandriava.gov. Space is limited and registration is required. See flyer for details.
Parent support group
This support group is for Virginia Parents and Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Children and Youth and is free, online, confidential and weekly, starting this spring. Join us if you want to learn more about how to support your child and yourself, while connecting with other parents. View flyer for more information.
Youth Move support group
This youth support group was birthed to create a space with youth and young adults to discuss self-care, mental health experiences, and more. Sessions are held on the second Wednesday and fourth Sunday of every month! See flyer to register and for more information.
Let's Talk Tuesdays
Are you a survivor of sexual violence and would like group support? This virtual adult support group is a series of six group meetings to aid sexual assault survivors in their recovery journey. Intake is required to attend the group. See flyer for details.
News
CONNECT
Connect is a news publication from the Department of Community and Human Services. It includes information and highlights about programs and services within the Department.
DCHS NEWS RELEASES
See the latest news releases from DCHS and access City news release archives.
ANNUAL REPORTS
DCHS Community Impact Report FY 2023
DCHS Community Impact Report FY 2022
STAY INFORMED
For the latest information about resources, services and programs that support the safety, self-sufficiency and well-being of all Alexandrians, like us on facebook.com/DCHSAlexandriaVA, follow us on twitter.com/DCHS_AlexVA and subscribe to the Spanish Text Line to receive notices in Spanish by texting ALEXINFOESP to 888777.
Opportunities: Volunteers, Externs/Interns, Grants
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
See information about volunteer opportunities in DCHS and across the City government.
INTERN AND EXTERNSHIPS
Learn about externship opportunities in clinical psychology. To inquire about social service internship possibilities, please email peggy.stypula@alexandriava.gov.
GRANTS AND RFPs
Alexandria Fund for Human Services