Fairfax County chair highlights wellness centers, peer support for first responders

Chairman Jeffrey McKay used his remarks at the 25th‑anniversary commemoration to call attention to Fairfax County programs that support the physical and mental health of first responders. McKay called wellness a priority, saying the county is "proud to have robust peer support program for our public safety community" and described a wellness center on Lee Jackson Memorial Highway that serves police, firefighters and public‑safety staff.

McKay said the Fire and Rescue Department's public safety occupational health center is expanding behavioral‑health services and urged continued efforts to protect responders' physical and mental health. He framed these services as part of carrying forward the legacy of service from 9/11 and said supporting wellness is a tangible way to honor those who answered the call.