Public Health and Wellness

The City of Alexandria strives to provide effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandria residents. We are guided by the following values and principles: equal access for all people, dignity and respect, cultural competency, ethics and accountability, collaboration, competency, integrity and continuous improvement.
Page updated on March 25, 2022 at 11:50 AM

Aging and Adult Services

The City of Alexandria serves senior and adults with disabilities with special emphasis given to those who have a low income and are most at risk of being institutionalized.

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Animal Bites / Rabies

In Alexandria, the Health Department assists Animal Control in investigations on animal bites and other possible rabies exposures. 

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Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability

In the case of a dangerous or life threatening emergency, always call 911 immediately. 

Emergency Services provides 24-hour intervention for persons experiencing a mental health or substance abuse-related crisis. Licensed clinicians evaluate mental health and substance abuse problems and provide help as needed over the phone or in person. 

Emergency Services responds to a variety of crises including: stress, anxiety, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts about hurting one’s self or someone else, drug or alcohol problems, traumatic events and more. 

Call 703.746.3401 to speak with an Emergency Services clinician. 

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Clinics

Learn more about the medical and clinical services available from the Health Department: 

Some services have eligibility rules, like where someone lives, how much the family makes, etc. No one will be denied access to care because of their inability to pay.  

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Crisis Lines

In crisis? Call now.  Services available 24 hours a day. 

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 703.746.4911 if you feel threatened.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors that are used by one individual to exert power or control over another individual in the context of a family or intimate relationship. This includes relationships such as boyfriend/girlfriend who do not live together, parent/child (child or elder abuse/neglect) and persons in  same-sex relationships. Overwhelmingly, domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women. Nationally, statistics indicate 95% of the victims are women.

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Exercise and Fitness Classes

Find and register for an array of exercise and fitness classes at different parks and recreational centers throughout the city. Fee assistance is available for eligible residents. Register online or in-person.

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Environmental Health Services

In Alexandria, the Health Department permits and inspects food service operations, aquatic facilities, hotel establishments, campgrounds and wells. It also does mosquito control activities, tick identification and follow-up investigations on animal bites and other possible rabies exposures.  

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Environmental Quality

The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) administers the City's air, water, and noise improvement programs, which help preserve and protect the environment and public health and welfare.

The OEQ advises and works with other City agencies and divisions on matters that impact the environment, and provides staff support to the City’s  Environmental Policy Commission, which studies and makes recommendations on various projects and program initiatives that may have environmental impacts.  

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Health Department

The Health Department’s mission is to advance Healthy People, Healthier Communities. We provide essential public health services to Alexandrians, and others who work and play here. We operate public health specialty clinics; help our communities to prepare for, respond to & recover from public health emergencies; assess food safety at restaurants & permitted facilities; investigate communicable diseases & offer guidance to prevent the spread of disease; and advances community wellness.

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Health Insurance Marketplace

Do you still need health coverage? Have insurance through the Marketplace, but recently got married, had a child, or experienced another life changing event? Do you qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS and want to enroll? The Health Insurance Marketplace is the place to go for Virginians! Learn whether you qualify for a special enrollment period, how to update your existing account, or find out more about the Affordable Care Act (the law that has made the Marketplace possible).

Visit HealthCare.gov to join

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training continues for laypersons and paraprofessionals in Alexandria. MHFA is an 8-hour training on skills to help persons who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration is open until filled. Limit 20 participants per class. More information about the training is available here, or visit our online registration form for class dates and registration. All classes are held at 4480 King St., fifth floor, unless otherwise indicated.  Attendees of the full 8-hour course will receive a three-year certification in MHFA.

Visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org for more information about MHFA

Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria

The Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria is a citizen-led coalition of non-profit organizations, schools, municipal agencies, local businesses, government, community leaders, and concerned citizens who come together to promote and preserve a healthy Alexandria.

Visit healthieralexandria.org to learn more

Substance Abuse Outpatient Service

A variety of programs are available to tailor treatment to individual needs and preferences. Individual counseling is provided as an adjunct to the treatment groups below, which are organized by the person’s stage of change in relation to alcohol and drugs.

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Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans, claiming more than twice as many lives each year as homicides. Learn more about this serious public health problem and what we can do to help prevent suicide.  

Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org to learn more

Therapeutic Recreation

The Therapeutic Recreation Program is committed to providing innovative, inclusive, accessible and affordable recreation programs which enhance the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals with all abilities.

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Women's Initiatives

The City of Alexandria is committed to a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing needs specific to women and to LGBTQ people. This commitment can be seen in the many City programs and services targeted to these populations and in the active advisory bodies for women’s issues and LGBTQ issues, including the Commission for Women, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ Advisory Board. The City also has staff charged with coordinating Women’s Initiatives and an LGBTQ program coordinator.   

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