Merrifield Center was renamed last week for former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Sharon Bulova.
The center was renamed the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health in honor of the former president’s contributions to Fairfax County and community health and wellness.
“It is only fitting that this centre, which is at the heart of our Diversion First initiative, is named after him. [Bulova’s] honor,” said President Jeff McKay. “Under his presidency, we transformed our approach to mental health incidents into one of care, treatment and rehabilitation. McKay said the lives of thousands of Fairfax County residents have been changed because of this program, which has taken the strain off police and jails and put people in need of mental health care where they can get help. .
Diversion First provides alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and/or developmental disabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system for minor offenses. Diversion First’s goal is to intercede where possible to provide assessment, treatment or necessary supports to people experiencing a mental health crisis. The program is designed to prevent repeat encounters with the criminal justice system, improve public safety, promote a healthier community, and is a more cost-effective and efficient use of public funding.
“Lives are being changed and lives are being saved because of the work being done on this building through Diversion First,” Bulova said. “To the professional staff and those who serve as peer coaches and counsellors, thank you. What you do makes a difference. Bulova then thanked her former colleagues on the supervisory board for their support.
Since its founding in 2016, there have been more than 12,000 law enforcement transports to the current Bulova Center where the Diversion First program is located. More than 8,600 people were under emergency custody orders and an additional 3,540 transports were due to an officer recognizing that an individual in the community was in need of behavioral health services. More than 2,600 were turned away from possible arrest. Of those transported to the former Merrifield Center by law enforcement, an average of 80% do not have a repeat visit there related to criminal justice involvement within a year.
Bulova served as Chair of the Supervisory Board from 2010 until her retirement in 2020. Previously, she served as Braddock District Supervisor from 1988 to 2009.
