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    18Dec, 2019
    A to B: Transportation Options

    According to the American Public Transportation Association, people use some form of public transportation 34 million times each weekday in the U.S. In Allegheny County, there are many options for transportation; however, navigating those options can be hard. A to B is an online tool designed to help riders find inclusive and accessible transportation options that meet their personal preferences, abilities, and needs. Developed by transportation providers and advocates in the Transportation Working Group, including Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh a Live Well Allegheny community partner, the tool currently includes 28 options from 20 transportation providers.

    A to B is free, voluntary, and anonymous. To use A to B, visit www.AtoBAllegheny.com, answer a short survey of questions, and get matched to possible transportation options. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Users should be sure to answer all applicable questions to receive the best results. A to B will not map specific trips, but rather find the best connection to options for riders.

    If you have questions about A to B or would like help using the tool, call (412) 562-5104 (TTY 711), Monday-Friday from 8AM to 5PM or leave a message after hours. Transportation providers can also call this number to be listed in the tool.

    We’re excited about the addition of this tool in our region. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified that access to transportation supports health and reduces healthcare costs. Ensuring that all residents of Allegheny County can get from point A to point B can have a profound positive impact on health and wellness.

    Learn more about this topic and the A to B Tool with these resources:

    https://www.cdc.gov/transportation/

    https://myaccessride.com/a-to-b/

    https://www.atoballegheny.com/#targetText=A%20to%20B%20is%20a,leave%20a%20message%20after%20hours.

    https://pittsburghseniornews.com/2019/07/04/launch-of-a-to-b-an-online-tool-to-find-transportation-options/

    https://www.apta.com/news-publications/public-transportation-facts/

    4Sep, 2019
    Three Additional Members Join the Live Well Initiative

    September 3, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced the addition of three Live Well Allegheny members, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Tarentum Borough and Jump with Jill. There are now 193 community partners, 68 municipalities, 51 restaurants, 33 workplaces and 18 school districts participating in the campaign that have chosen to make health a priority in Allegheny County.

    Earlier today County Executive Rich Fitzgerald presented the United Way with its official Live Well designation during a lunchtime walk that was organized by the workplace’s Wellness Committee as part of the Spark Pittsburgh Step Challenge.

    “Today was a great day to continue our walk towards a healthier county with the new United Way of Southwestern PA CEO Bobbi Watt Geer and staff,” said Fitzgerald. “The organization is the latest recipient of the Live Well Allegheny Workplace designation. Group walks, like today’s walk from the United Way’s offices in the Strip District to the Courthouse and back, are just one way they’re working together to be a healthier organization. Step by step, we’re on our way to a healthier Allegheny County.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny members:

    Live Well Allegheny Workplace

    The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will provide healthy cafeteria options, healthy food options during company meetings and functions and a private area for use by breastfeeding employees. The organization has also promised access to an on-site area for exercise classes and physical activity, to locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails and to provide standing desks for their employees. Additionally, the United Way will allow and encourage paid time off for employees to have preventive cancer screenings, create and sponsor employee athletic teams and activities, and insure employees have access to comprehensive health insurance.

    “The United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community we serve, and that includes our employee team,” said Bobbi Watt Geer, President & CEO of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “We are committed to promoting employee health and well-being through our Wellness Committee’s coordination of year-round activities. I am proud that we live our values and mission at the United Way.”

    Live Well Allegheny Community

    The Tarentum Borough will promote physical activity by encouraging walking and bike riding and by developing indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities. The borough will promote and support farmers’ markets, encourage involvement with community volunteer activities and promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters. Tarentum will also utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    “I applaud Tarentum for making a commitment to improving the health and wellness of residents,” said County Council Vice President Nick Futules, who also represents District 7. “They are also taking action to improve access to fresh and healthy food and physical activity, and to reducing tobacco use and smoking rates within the municipality.”

    Live Well Allegheny Community Partner

    Jump with Jill activates community outreach by holding a live rock and roll show that informs the audience about the benefits of health and nutrition. The group has performed the show 3,500 times for over a million kids across six countries.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    6Aug, 2019
    Babb Inc. finds a fun way to stay active at work with the Annual LiveWell Open!

    Babb Inc., a Live Well Allegheny Workplace, is leading the way in encouraging workplace wellness. In June, the Wellbeing Department hosted the 4th Annual LiveWell Open Golf Tournament in concurrence with the 2019 U.S. Open.

    The team set up a 5-hole par-16 mini-golf course in the Ballroom of the Babb Inc. historical building located on Pittsburgh’s Northside. To enhance workplace culture and encourage participation, trophies, prizes, and, of course, bragging rights were awarded to the top golfers in the men’s and women’s categories. Practice rounds were held the week leading up to the tournament that took place on Wednesday, June 12.

    This type of event creates friendly competition between coworkers and provides an opportunity for people to get up and move during the day. More than 20 people participated in the tournament. Babb, Inc. continues to grow their culture with different activities, such as the LiveWell Open, that reflect their belief that employee care and wellbeing is the number one priority in any organization.

    Another way that Babb, Inc. is promoting wellbeing and engagement is through the 4th Annual SparkPittsburgh Step Challenge, which runs September 1 through October 15. This free and friendly challenge is designed to help organizations move towards better health and wellbeing one step at a time. Along with competing against other organizations, all steps contribute to Pittsburgh’s total step count to help make a difference in the health and wellbeing of the city!

    This year, SparkPittsburgh is excited to announce the addition of Cleveland to the campaign (SparkCleveland)! Through the success of Pittsburgh, the partners hope to continue to expand Spark across the nation to help improve lifestyles across America. Visit www.SparkPittsburgh.com to join the challenge today!

     

    17Jul, 2019
    Clairton Education Center celebrated the start of summer with Summer Food Program Kickoff!

    At the beginning of June, the Clairton Education Center, a Live Well Allegheny School, celebrated the beginning of summer with a Summer Food Program kickoff event. The kickoff event was held during the last week of school and provided families with information about the Summer Food Service Program. Participants enjoyed a cookout and activities for families and children. Several organizations including Economic Development South, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Allegheny County Health Department, and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh provided health and safety activities for children during the event.

    The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a national program of the USDA that provides free meals to kids in the summer months. SFSP ensures that low-income children receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Through the program, local sponsors like churches and community organizations provide meals and activities to children ages 18 and under.

    Allegheny County boasts nearly 300 distribution sites. The distribution sites, which range from churches to parks, provide free summer meals and fun activities to Allegheny County youth throughout the summer months. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s SFSP outreach initiative seeks to increase participation in the program by offering information, best practices, marketing support, and technical assistance to local sites.

    Anyone 18 and under can attend Summer Food Program sites throughout the summer. Wondering how you can find a summer food site near you? To find a site in your neighborhood, text “FOOD” to 877-877 or call 2-1-1 for the United Way hotline to hear site locations and meal schedules. You can also visit USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder to find a site in your community.

    3Jul, 2019
    One Community and One Restaurant Join Live Well Allegheny Campaign

    July 2, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced today that Verona Borough and Bridges and Bourbon, a Penn Avenue restaurant, have joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Now participating are 67 communities, 51 restaurants, 32 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “Welcome Verona and Bridges and Bourbon. We are grateful to have you and to see even more organizations join us in our efforts for a healthier community,” said Fitzgerald. “We are most successful when we all work together. We look forward to having even more communities, restaurants, workplaces and schools join us in this campaign for greater wellness.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The campaign is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “It has been a pleasure to watch the progress made with the Live Well Allegheny initiative,” said Dr. Hacker. “I became Director a few months before the campaign was launched and it has been a signature effort of ours throughout my tenure. It is incredible to see all the work done over the years by community partners, municipalities, school districts, places we work and places we eat. While we have had significant successes, there is more to do. If you haven’t joined the Live Well effort, please apply now.”

    Following is more information about the latest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Community

    Verona Borough will encourage community involvement through volunteer activities, will provide facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding and will promote and support farmers markets. The borough has also promised to request vending machine companies add healthy foods and to work with the companies to post nutritional contents for the foods offered. Developing walking maps and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities, promoting smoke-free and tobacco free buildings and perimeters, and utilizing web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives are also in Verona’s plans.

    “I am so pleased to learn that Verona is the newest community in District 7 that has made a commitment to improving the health and wellness of residents,” said Council Vice President Nick Futules, who is the County Council Member representing District 7. “I applaud the community’s commitments and look forward to seeing the results of its efforts.”

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    Bridges and Bourbon will eliminate trans-fat oils in its cooking, be smoke-free, and will provide a location to store bicycles at or near the restaurant. It has also committed to offer vegetarian fare options and healthier beverage options, offer brown rice and other whole grains as an alternate to white rice and white bread, and offer low-fat milk as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. Other options will include healthy side dishes.

    12Jun, 2019
    ACHD Invites Grassroots Organizations to Apply for Small Grants!

    LIFTING WELLNESS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS (LWA2): SMALL GRANTS AVAILABLE!

    The Allegheny County Health Department is seeking proposals from grassroots organizations for small projects serving the North Side, Hill District, Garfield, Larimer/Homewood/ East Hills, Wilkinsburg, and certain communities in the Mon Valley.

    Projects should focus on health promotion and health resources aimed at improving nutrition, physical activity, and community-clinical linkages. Projects should be no more than $9,999.

    Eligibility:  See Request for Proposal (RFP) for full details. 

    Submission Guidelines: Proposals must be submitted by email to [email protected]

    Submission Deadline: July 22, 2019

    View the short application and apply today! 

    Questions? Call Aja Wilkerson at 412-247-7911.

    4Jun, 2019
    Two Communities, One Workplace and One Restaurant Earn Live Well Allegheny Status

    June 4, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Health Department announced the addition of two communities, Richland Township and the Edgeworth Borough, one workplace, Pashek+MTR, and one restaurant, Arnold’s Coffee & Tea, as the four newest members of the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Now participating are 66 communities, 50 restaurants, 32 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “We are delighted to see municipalities, restaurants, workplaces and school districts continue to make commitments to the Live Well Allegheny campaign five years after its launch,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “To me, it reinforces the fact that the campaign continues to gain traction and that more and more people in our community are focused on making this a healthier county. Congratulations to our newest participants, and if you’re not already part of the campaign, please consider joining us.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “We are very pleased to report that more than half of the 130 municipalities in Allegheny County are now making health a top priority for their residents,” said Dr. Hacker. “We urge all municipalities, restaurants, workplaces, school districts and community partners that have not yet earned the Live Well designation to apply today. Making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation will require that all residents have opportunities for healthy living – that’s what Live Well Allegheny is all about.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Communities

    Richland Township will develop walking maps and encourage multi-modal transportation through facilities and policies that promote walking and bike riding. The township will also promote and support farmers’ markets, promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters, and utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    Edgeworth Borough will advertise and share information regarding local farmers’ markets and wellness campaign events and incorporate health and wellness-related information into regular borough communications, such as social media and the quarterly newsletter. The borough will also encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, encourage smoke free buildings and perimeters, and continue to hold quarterly meetings with employees to discuss health, safety, and wellness in the workplace.

    “As a nurse I wholeheartedly support initiatives that encourage residents to make healthy choices and improve their own wellness,” said County Council Member Cindy Kirk, representing District 2. “I couldn’t be happier to learn that two additional communities in my district have joined Live Well Allegheny, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.”

    Live Well Allegheny Workplace

    Pashek+MTR will provide its staff with bicycles and access to secure bicycle storage, space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain, and easy-to-access information about local programs and opportunities for physical fitness, community health related events, and farmers markets. The organization will also support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours and meetings and will offer employees flex hours to allow for physical or wellness activity. In addition, it will establish and communicate a tobacco-free workplace policy that includes cessation resources for employees.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    Arnold’s Coffee & Tea will offer half portions on select menu items, vegetarian or vegan fare options, low-calorie salad dressings and healthy side dishes. It will also eliminate trans-fat oils in cooking, be smoke-free, and promote healthier beverage options. Arnold’s Coffee & Tea’s Chef Claudy started the EAT Initiative, a non-profit organization, which has also joined Live Well Allegheny as a community partner. Its vision is to help feed and sustain food insecure communities by hosting hands-on cooking demonstrations and career development via hospitality training focused in food vulnerable families.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    child safety
    4Jun, 2019
    ACHD’s Traffic Safety Education Project Celebrates National Safety Month with Car Seat Check

    Did you know, injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44? Fortunately, there are many things people can do to prevent injuries and stay safe. During the month of June, public health agencies shine a spotlight on injury prevention by celebrating National Safety Month. National Safety Month raises awareness about preventable injuries and important safety issues like poisonings, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls. This June, the Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Traffic Safety Education Project is celebrating National Safety Month by highlighting the importance of car seat safety.

    The goal of ACHD’s Traffic Safety Education Project (TSEP) is to reduce local injuries and deaths due to avoidable vehicle crashes. TSEP staff utilize state-approved curriculum to provide educational programming on a variety of traffic safety topics, including car seat usage, aggressive and distracted driving, and seat belt safety. TSEP also offers educational programming for audiences ranging from elementary students to mature drivers. One of the priorities of TSEP is car seat safety and educating residents about proper car seat usage.

    The leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 is car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 59% of cases, children’s car seats are used incorrectly. Car seats and boosters protect children and infants from bodily injury and death during car crashes. It is essential for parents and caregivers to choose and use the correct car seat every time. There are a variety of resources available for families to determine the correct car seat. Need help finding the right car seat? NHTSA has an electronic Car Seat Finder tool to help families choose a car seat and offers instructions on installing car seats.

    If you are looking for more hands-on experience related to car seat safety, TSEP has you covered. Our TSEP staff are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST). The staff are certified to provide community presentations and/or child safety seat checks where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and seat belts. Parents and caregivers who attend a car seat check will get one-on-one personalized instruction on how to properly use their child’s car seat.

    Join us on Friday, June 21st from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Department (1520 Roosevelt Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237) for a Car Seat Safety Check. The service is free, but appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, please call Kristen Urso at 412-885-0266.

    To learn about other events, or to schedule one for your community, please visit: www.pasafekids.org.

    13May, 2019
    May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Learn Tips and Tricks for Preventing Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

    Did you know that Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 300,000 people contract the disease every year with most cases occurring in the northeastern region of the country. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the blacklegged tick.

    With some preparation, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick bites and Lyme Disease. Ticks are most active during the warmer months, and the chance of being bitten by a tick is greatest from May-September. Before going outdoors, know where to expect ticks and avoid those areas, pretreat clothing and gear, and use insect repellent. Ticks live in grassy, wooded areas. When walking through the woods, stay in the center of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter. Clothing and shoes can be treated with permethrin. Spraying clothes and shoes with permethrin can be one of the most effective techniques for preventing tick bites. Additionally, some insect repellents can help protect you from tick bites. Use the Environmental Protection Agency’s insect repellent search tool to find the right repellent for ticks.

    Ticks can be carried into the house on clothing, gear, and pets. Check your clothing and gear and remove any ticks that are found. Shower soon after being outdoors. Consider drying clothes in a tumble dryer on high heat for 10 minutes which will kill ticks. It is essential to check your body for ticks after being outside. Conduct a full body check and remove any ticks within 24 hours if possible. Check the following parts of your body:

    • Under the arms
    • In and around the ears
    • Inside belly button
    • Behind the knees
    • In and around the hair
    • Between the legs
    • Around the waist

    Following these steps will ensure that you and your family are protected from tick bites while enjoying time outdoors. For more information about ticks and Lyme Disease from our ACHD vector-borne illness team, please visit: http://bit.ly/ACHDLyme.

    9May, 2019
    Health Department Announces the Addition of Three Live Well Allegheny Partners

    May 9, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the municipality of Bethel Park has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign as both a community and school district, and the Perch at Pitt has joined the effort as the newest Live Well restaurant. Now participating are 64 communities, 49 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “We have always been most successful in this region when we work together, and striving for a healthier county is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It will take all of us, collaboratively, to have an impact and we are grateful to the elected officials in Bethel Park, the administrators at the Bethel Park School District, and the management of Perch at Pitt in committing to helping us meet those goals.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “It’s great to see another three entities make the choice to improve the health and well-being of its community members, students and patrons,” said Dr. Hacker. “We look forward to working with these groups as we strive to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. If you haven’t already applied to join the Live Well effort, we encourage you to do so today.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Community & School District

    The Municipality of Bethel Park will promote and support farmers markets, develop walking maps and accessible outdoor wellness trails and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities. The municipality will also provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events and utilize websites and social media to promote physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation and other health and wellness related initiatives. The community also announced the creation of the Live Well Allegheny Bethel Park Speaker’s series that is a health education program that will take place at the community center each month.

    The Bethel Park School District has committed to improve the wellness of students, faculty, staff, parents and families through a coordinated effort with their Wellness Committee and Curriculum Department to promote proper nutrition, exercise and fitness activities, well-being, and education. Activities include running clubs for elementary school students, an activity club before the school day begins and yoga sessions in schools.

    “I am very pleased that Bethel Park, both as a community and school district, has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “Eating right and exercising is the formula for happy healthy residents.”

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The Perch at Pitt has will eliminate trans-fat oils in their cooking and offer low calorie options, half portions, and vegetarian/vegan fare on its menu. The restaurant will also offer whole grains as an alternate to white rice, whole grain bread as an alternate to white bread, and low-fat milk (1% or skim) as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. The Perch will provide calorie counts and other nutritional information for customers.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.