Prevention, screening, and knowledge can reduce cervical cancer in our community. Cervical cancer is 99% caused by HPV and is highly treatable when detected early. Recommendations from Arlington Public Health Director, Dr. Deidra D. Parrish: 

• Get the HPV vaccine. Doctors recommend two doses of the HPV vaccine for children ages 11–12, though vaccination can begin as early as age 9. Adults who were not vaccinated as children can still receive catch-up vaccinations. 
• Get regular Pap + HPV tests.
• Get informed about cervical health.
• Speak with your healthcare provider about HPV.

How can this newsletter be more useful, welcoming, and easy to read? Take this four-minute survey to share what matters to readers. Responses are anonymous. The survey is open through Wed., Feb. 4. Have more to share? Email more detailed feedback to DHS Communications Director, Destiny Esper. Thank you!

This free, six-week series is designed to help women make informed financial decisions. Classes to be held Wednesdays, February 18–March 25, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Pike Library. Registration is recommended for each session.

Register through Arlington Public Libraries. To see more dates, click “Show more dates” in the green box to access registration links for additional sessions.

Presented in partnership with the Arlington Office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.

January 22 and 29: Parks Fee Reduction Info. Sessions

Early registration for summer camp opens Mon., Feb. 2, by phone or in-person for those who qualify for fee reductions! General registration starts Wed., Feb. 18. Students at Community Eligibility Provision schools (Abingdon, Barcroft, Barrett, Campbell, Carlin Springs, Drew, Randolph, Jefferson, Kenmore, and Wakefield) are eligible.

Attend a Free Family Help Session at Arlington Mill Community Center where staff will assist with account setup and completing fee reduction applications. Flyers available in: English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, and Mongolian. More information on fee reduction schedules is on Arlington Parks' site.

When: Thu. Jan. 22, 6–8 p.m.; Thu., Jan. 29,12–2 p.m.
Where: Arlington Mill, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., 22204

January 30: Give Feedback on FY 27 County Budget

Arlington must balance spending and revenue for the 2027 fiscal year (FY), beginning July 1, 2026. To meet community needs and inform the County Manager's proposed budget, input is requested before Fri., Jan. 30.

February 11: Free YMHFA Training at DHS

Registration is now open for this important training designed to help adults support adolescents ages 12–18. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among young people. Check out an event flyer.

Training requires two hours of virtual pre-work followed by a six-hour in-person session at Arlington DHS.

Deadline: Sign up by Sun., Feb., 8
When: Wed., Feb. 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (+2 hours pre-work) 
Where: DHS, 2100 Washington Blvd., 22204

February 3: Be Safe This Valentine's Day - Get Tested

Visit Arlington Public Health for FREE, walk-in Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing this Valentine’s Day season. Receive your test results before Valentine’s Day. Services are available to everyone ages 13 and older. No insurance or appointment is required for this special event — just stop by. Plan to attend.

When: Tue., Feb. 3, 3–6 p.m.
Where: DHS, 2nd Fl. 2100 Washington Blvd., 22204

February 13: Early Head Start/Head Start Application Assistance

Early Head Start/Head Start staff will assist pregnant individuals and families caring for children ages 0–5 with application assistance, required supporting documents, and answers. Families can apply to one of three locations in Arlington:

• Arlington Mill, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., 22204 (Prenatal moms/children 0–3 years old)
• Vermont Center, 601 N Vermont St 22203 (Prenatal moms/children 0–3 years old)
• Glebe Road Head Start Center, 2920 S Glebe Rd, 22206 (Children ages 3–5 years old)

What to Bring:

• Proof of Age: Birth certificate, birth letter, passport, or legal document with child’s name and date of birth
• Proof of Pregnancy (prenatal enrollment): Doctor or medical office letter
• Proof of Residency: Lease, foster care letter, current utility bill
• Proof of Income: TANF/SSI/SNAP letter, tax return/W-2, pay stubs, employer letter, or child support documentation
  Additional Documents: (Optional; speeds up entry)
• Proof of medical insurance
• Child’s immunization record
• Child’s School Entrance Health Form
• IEP/IFSP from Infant & Toddler Connection or ChildFind 

Where: DHS, 2100 Washington Blvd. – Lower Level
When: Fri., Feb. 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM