Author: ACHD

About ACHD

Created in 1957, the Allegheny County Health Department is charged with protecting the environmental and public health of 1.2 million County residents through Pennsylvania Act 315 , the Local Health Administration Law.

Township of Pine and Four Employers Commit to Live Well Allegheny

January 19, 2017

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Township of Pine is the latest community to be designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community and Adagio Health, Babb, Inc., No Crayon Left Behind, and the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania are the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplaces.

The Township of Pine committed to action steps intended to improve the health of residents. Information about wellness events and volunteer activities are shared with the community to encourage the voluntary participation of residents. The community also promotes smoke-free buildings and perimeters. The Township of Pine will encourage physical activity by developing wellness facilities and programs accessible to all residents of all abilities and creating walking maps that measure the distance and encourage residents to meet goals and will encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding.

Adagio Health (Pittsburgh, PA) committed to the following action steps to be designated as a Live Well Workplace: providing healthy food options during company meetings and functions including fruits and vegetables as well as gluten-free options, offering vending machines with healthy food options and water coolers are accessible on every floor of the office. Adagio Health is a tobacco, smoke-free environment and offers smoking cessation programs through their employee benefits program. The organization is also a proponent of breast feeding and they allow employees to pump at work in designated, private areas. Employees are offered comprehensive and affordable health insurance, which includes free dental and eye coverage, and all preventative co-pays are free. They also encourage employees to use the well-lit stairwells instead of elevators.

Babb, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) has been designated as a Live Well Workplace by committing the several action steps including strong leadership support, the company offers a robust wellness program for employees such as annual health risk assessments, weigh-ins, condition management programs, and biometric screenings. The office is equipped with a relaxation room with monthly chair massages, an on-site fitness center, and healthy snacks provided through the SnakWell Initiative. Babb, Inc. is developing a safe walking routes map for employees, encourages the use of stairs through visible prompts, and offers a membership to a local spinning/yoga studio. The company provides comprehensive health insurance with vision and dental care as well as employee flex hours for wellness activities. The organization also provides opportunities for financial wellness, tuition reimbursement for continuing education credits, and the Babb Gives Back program to support the Northside community.

No Crayon Left Behind (Sewickley, PA) has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including provide a water dispenser for hot and cold water that is available to employees. The workplace also encourages the use standing desks, provides a communal fridge stocked with fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses that is for everyone at the office. In addition, the organization will bring in big batches of salad to keep in the fridge for employees to eat during the week. Walking meetings are used both as physical activity and stress relief. Employees are also encouraged to take breaks for stretching during the work day. Additionally, the workplace intends to begin yoga classes twice a month for all employees at a local yoga studio. The organization also aims to participate and sponsor fun-runs or team building physical activities hosted by the Borough of Sewickley. Lastly, No Crayon Left Behind intends on providing the office with a HappyLight to help employees that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA (Pittsburgh, PA) The organization promotes physical activity by hosting yoga once a week in the office, encouraging staff to walk campus during lunch breaks, and encouraging participation in active events such as the Crucible and 335 Miles for Veterans. The Maintain Not Gain program during the holidays provides an opportunity for weekly weigh-ins and trading healthy recipes on an office message board. Monthly seminars on health topics such as stress management are held after staff meetings. In addition, the workplace is equipped with a kitchen for staff to bring in healthy lunch options and often staff will share items from their garden. Healthy choices, including several vegetarian and vegan options, are provided at company functions. Lastly, the organization offers a comprehensive healthcare plan with dental and vision coverage at a low cost to employees.

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

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Shaler Area School District Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny School

January 17, 2017

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Shaler Area School District is the latest school district to receive designation as a Live Well Allegheny School. The announcement was made during the district’s professional development day in front of all staff and employees. The district’s participation raises the number of school districts participating in Live Well Allegheny to nine.

“We’re thrilled to have another district join us in our efforts to become the healthiest county,” said County Executive Fitzgerald. “Schools play an important part in this effort because they not only can exhibit healthy actions, but can also teach them to our youth, making health decisions something that they do each day without thought.”

Shaler Area School District hosted a professional development day at Shaler Area High School for all 300 employees and staff including a wellness fair with 10 different vendors and a cooking demonstration provided by the food service provider.

“Live Well Allegheny is about surrounding Allegheny County residents with healthy choices and that means healthy options at school, at work and in local communities,” said ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker. “I am so pleased that the Shaler Area School District is extending their commitment to Live Well Allegheny to improving the health of students, staff and also their community.”

“I am glad that Shaler Area School District is taking the leadership to be designated as the first Live Well School in District 3,” said Council Member Kress. “By taking advantage of the resources offered by Live Well Allegheny they are taking steps to improve the health of staff and students.”

To be designated as a Live Well Allegheny School, Shaler Area School District has already taken many steps to support the health and wellness of its students and employees. They have committed to the following additional steps as part of their commitment:

Encouraging staff wellness by providing a healthy cooking demonstration for staff, kicking off a 10,000 step challenge for all staff and conducting an employee wellness fair.
Improving student wellness by encouraging healthy food snacks during class parties and reducing food waste through nutrition improvement efforts in the cafeterias.
Focusing on community wellness by providing access to athletic fields and tracks during non-school hours to the community, hosting a community event to bring awareness about the prescription opioid epidemic and hosting a 5K race/walk for the community as a fundraising event for the Shaler Area Education Fund.

“Shaler Area School District is honored to be recognized as a Live Well Allegheny school district. We believe there is a strong connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and we are committed to creating and promoting a culture of wellness across our district,” said Superintendent Sean Aiken.

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

Propel Schools Receives Live Well Allegheny School Designation

December 16, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced Propel Schools, a not for profit organization, as the newest Live Well Allegheny School. Dr. Tina Chekan, Superintendent/CEO at Propel Schools, accepted the designation for all eleven schools and two additional set to open in the Fall of 2017 in Allegheny County.

“We are excited to see so many schools and organizations taking on the challenge to help us become the healthiest county by being designated as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign and then taking that message to their students, residents, members, partners and more,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It is only through such thoughtful, collaborative efforts that we can make real progress. We’re excited to have Propel Schools on board and look forward to seeing their students, faculty and staff becoming healthier with all of us.”

Propel Schools hosted a school assembly with Sterlen Barr at Propel Homestead called “Fun, Food and Fitness” about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. This program teaches kids the importance of healthy food and fitness in a fun and engaging way.

“Schools can play a significant role in promoting health for their students, whether it is enhancing healthy food options, increasing opportunities for physical activity or providing education on a variety of health behaviors” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “I commend Propel Schools for addressing all of these areas and joining the Live Well Allegheny campaign. They are finding fun and interactive ways to promote health in their schools.”

To be designated as a Live Well Allegheny School, Propel Schools has committed to the following action steps to support the health and wellness of its students and employees:

Increased physical education to include 7 physical activities.
Preferred meals meet USDA’s Healthier US Schools Challenge Silver level for nutritional requirements.
Preferred meals never contain aspartame, saccharin, bleached or bromated flour.
Every Preferred Meals is free from certain artificial colors and flavors, MSG, bromated vegetable oils, high fructose and corn syrup.100% of all grain produce are whole grain.
Milk provided by Preferred Meal is rBST hormone-free.
Plant and harvest from their own garden in one location (Homestead).
Wellness program for students including dating violence, grief awareness and general teen wellness.

Superintendent/CEO, Dr. Tina Chekan, is spearheading the effort, with plans to emphasize the importance of the family dinner, nutrition and exercise to all constituencies. “Experiencing wellness is necessary for our students to be able to learn and grow academically. As Propel focuses on redefining school and defying expectations, we want our students and their families to know more about how to fuel learning through healthy eating and active lifestyles.”

Fuel & Fuddle and Square Cafe are Newest Live Well Allegheny Restaurants!

December 8, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that two restaurants, both in the City of Pittsburgh, are the latest restaurants to receive the Live Well Allegheny designation.

The two new Live Well Allegheny Restaurants are:

Fuel and Fuddle, 212 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh (Oakland neighborhood)
Square Café, 1137 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh (Regent Square neighborhood)

Both restaurants have also received designations as part of the Sustainable Pittsburgh Program, as well as having indicated the intent to work with the county to accomplish the goals of the campaign. Specifically, Fuel and Fuddle and Square Café have committed to offer and promote menu items that are low in calories, vegetarian/ vegan fare, healthy side dishes including fruits and vegetables and healthier beverage options.

Both restaurants offer brown rice and other whole grains as an alternative to white rice and white bread and will use plant-based oils for cooking and baking, provide healthier beverage options. The children’s menu they provide will adhere to the Kids Live Well criteria as established by the National Restaurant Association. Square Café has also committed to offer half portions, provide low calorie salad dressings and offer low fat or skim milk. Both restaurants provide a location to store bicycles at or near their location.

“We are happy to add additional healthy dining options to Live Well Allegheny”. said Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker. “More restaurants are coming on board offering customers healthier options and we hope that the public will take advantage of them.”

Learn more about Live Well Allegheny Restaurants.

Eat’n Park, Hello Bistro Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny Restaurants

December 5, 2016

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced Eat’n Park Restaurants and Hello Bistro, subsidiary establishments under the parent company Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, are the newest Live Well Allegheny Restaurants. Jeff Broadhurst, President and CEO at Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Inc., accepted the designation for both establishments at Eat’n Park Hospitality Group’s corporate office in Homestead, PA.

“Eat’n Park has been a part of our region since 1949. Having its leadership, both with the Eat’n Park restaurants and Hello Bistro, commit to being part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign is a significant step,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We are grateful to have so many corporate, municipal, school and other partners join us in working towards making Allegheny County a healthier county.”

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

“I am pleased to recognize the steps taken by Eat’n Park Hospitality Group to offer healthy options to their customers,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “This commitment greatly expands the reach of Live Well Allegheny Restaurants to many Allegheny County communities and residents.”

To achieve Live Well Allegheny status, restaurants must commit to eliminating trans-fat oils, be smoke free, not sell tobacco products, and commit to additional action steps. Eat’n Park Restaurants and Hello Bistro have met these criteria and also provide the following:

Eat’n Park:

low calorie menu items and side dishes designated as Eat’n Smart, as well as low-calorie dressing options.
half or smaller portions on select entrees.
vegetarian options on their Soup, Salad and Fruit Bar and a vegetarian hamburger option.
bike racks when possible.

Hello Bistro:

vegetarian/vegan options through their Build Your Own Salad and a vegetarian hamburger alternative.
Low-calorie dressing options for all salads.
Options for low-calorie entrees or sides across menu categories.

“Health and wellness has always been an important part of our culture at Eat’n Park Hospitality Group,” said Jeff Broadhurst, President and CEO of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. “We’re proud to do what we can to help make Allegheny County a healthier region.”

Live Well Allegheny, Tobacco Free Allegheny Celebrate Tobacco Cessation Week

November 11, 2016

Allegheny Quits for Life Being Celebrated November 13-19

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), Tobacco Free Allegheny (TFA) and supporting partners are joining together, for the second year, to celebrate Allegheny Quits for Life in Allegheny County, November 13-19. The week is dedicated to promoting tobacco cessation and healthy activities. The kick off will take place on Monday in the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard located at 436 Grant Street, downtown Pittsburgh at noon.

Adult smoking rates in the county of almost 23% in 2012 were higher than Pennsylvania and the nation. “Decreasing smoking by 10% is a primary objective of our Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “For those who smoke, consider quitting this week. There are lots of options for cessation that can make all the difference.”

Allegheny Quits for Life week includes numerous events, hosted by Tobacco Free Allegheny and participating partner organizations such as Pittsburgh Mercy Health System who will bring Dancing Classrooms Pittsburgh to the kickoff for “Merengue Monday,” linking quitting smoking with making fun healthy choices in support of Live Well Allegheny’s #HowDoYouLiveWell campaign. All of the events are aimed at helping individuals stop tobacco use and learn to live healthier. Visit http://bit.ly/AQFL16week for the dates, times and locations.

Allegheny Quits for Life also coincides with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, being held on Thursday, November 17, when smokers are encouraged to quit for the day. By quitting, even for just one day, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

Those thinking about quitting smoking are encouraged to call 1 800 QUIT NOW (784-8669). The PA Free Quitline offers personalized counseling sessions and free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum or lozenges) is available. Online cessation services are available at https://paquitlogix.org.

Throughout the week, the Health Department is asking people to share images using the hashtags #AlleghenyQuitsforLife2016 and #HowDoYouLiveWell on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Many have already been posted with answers to the question: What are you quitting for?

Wilkinsburg Borough Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

November 3, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that Wilkinsburg Borough is the latest community to receive designation as a Live Well Allegheny Community. The announcement was made during the Wilkinsburg Thursday Open Market (WTOM) event. The borough’s participation raises the number of municipalities participating in Live Well Allegheny to 33.

“We’re thrilled to have Wilkinsburg join us in this initiative and effort. The community is a growing one which is taking positive steps to improve the quality of life in their community, something which goes hand in hand with the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We are grateful to have so many communities, and elected officials, taking an active role in our effort to have the healthiest county in America.”

Wilkinsburg Borough hosted its Thursday Open Market event in the parking lot of South Avenue Methodist Church at 733 Ross Avenue 15221 from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. Farmers, artisan, crafters and prepared food vendors participated in this event.

“The Live Well Allegheny campaign is promoting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and farmer’s markets are a great way to increase access to fresh and healthy food,” said ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker. “Open Market events are a great way for Wilkinsburg residents to purchase fresh food in their community. This is one activity among others that the Wilkinsburg Borough is undertaking as a Live Well Allegheny community which will enhance the health of its residents. Congratulations Wilkinsburg.”

The WTOM participates in the Fresh Access Program that is managed by Just Harvest with funding support from Live Well Allegheny. Customers can utilize the Fresh Access Food Bucks program. For every $5 that a shopper spends on their EBT card, they will receive an additional $2 in bonus tokens which can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables. SNAP, debit and cash were also accepted.

“It is important, for a host of reasons, that Wilkinsburg has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community,” said Council Member DeWitt Walton, who represents District 13. “For that borough, which has had long-term struggles with income inequalities, it is important to achieve this designation. Public health is a necessary component to improving the quality of life for residents and I applaud the borough for taking this step.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Wilkinsburg Borough indicated that in addition to the open market event, it will:

Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
Promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for residents in the community
Offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
Promote and support Farmer’s Markets
Promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters
Provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events
Utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“Wilkinsburg Borough Council is excited to be designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community. We have focused on improving Wilkinsburg multiple ways some of them include: blight reduction, municipal investments, increased opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle access and revitalized greenspaces. We are pleased to expand our emphasis and commitment to personal health and well-being as part of our efforts to be a truly healthy and model community,” said Councilman Patrick Shattuck.

Cigna Receives Live Well Allegheny Workplace Designation

October 25, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced Cigna, a global health services company with offices in Pittsburgh, is the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplace. Dr. Shadrach Jones, Medical Director at Cigna, accepted the designation at the Cigna Healthcare Center in Robinson Township.

“I’m thrilled to have Cigna join our effort to become the healthiest county through the Live Well Allegheny initiative,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “As more and more organizations, companies, municipalities and school districts become part of this campaign, we also see more and more commitments from individuals who want to be healthier and live healthier. Together, we continue to have a significant impact on the health of our community.”

The announcement took place today at the Cigna Employee Health Fair. There were informational sessions discussing a variety of ways for employees to manage their health. The sessions included speakers on the employee assistance program, health coaches and dieticians.

“Live Well Allegheny aims to help people gain the tools needed to incorporate healthy habits in all aspects of their lives,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “I commend Cigna for implementing programs to help their employees be healthy and productive.”

To be designated as a Live Well Allegheny Workplace, Cigna has committed to the following action steps to support the health and wellness of its employees:

The organization is providing a smoke-free environment both indoors and outdoors on all US based Cigna Premises and during all company sponsored events; Cigna Quit Today© is a tobacco cessation program available free to all employees.
Employees are encouraged to use preventative care services, including annual physicals and biometric screening options, by being provided incentives.
Incentive programs for Healthy Weight and Healthy Blood Pressure offered to all employees and their family members.
In addition to online and telephonic health coaching, the provision in 2016 of an onsite health coach for employees.
Health food options are provided at the organization’s on-site cafeteria as well as in company vending machines and health snack options during company meetings.

“Cigna’s investment in the Pittsburgh region starts with our employees. Our focus on the health and wellness of our employees has shown to help our workforce stay healthier, more productive, and better engaged to meet or exceed the needs of our customers,” said Julia Huggins, Cigna president for Pennsylvania.

As an employer, Cigna is committed to diversity and offers an array of employee benefits including health, dental and disability insurance. Active in the community, Cigna employees established the Pittsburgh chapter of Achilles International with more than 300 volunteers and athletes with disabilities. Cigna has also been a national title sponsor of the March of Dimes. More than 650 Cigna employees participate in the annual Pittsburgh walk and Run for Babies 5K.

Live Well Allegheny Celebrates Fresh Corners and Green Grocer Programs

October 19, 2016

PITTSBURGH – Live Well Allegheny, Allegheny County’s wellness campaign led by the Board of Health and Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Director Dr. Karen Hacker, continued its efforts to enhance food access by eliminating food deserts at an event yesterday that celebrated both the Fresh Corners Program and the Green Grocer Program. Both programs were represented at a kick-off event at 5GB’s Fresh Foods Market in McKees Rocks.

“Access to fresh healthy foods is critical for healthy living,” said Dr. Hacker. “We are proud to support innovative efforts like the Green Grocer and Fresh Corners Programs to decrease the food deserts. This collaboration is what Live Well Allegheny is all about, organizations coming together to make it easier for county residents to get what they need to live a healthy lifestyle.”

The Fresh Corners Program was launched by Just Harvest as a healthy corner store initiative to improve access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods in Allegheny County. The Green Grocer Program, managed by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB), is a mobile farmers market designed to travel into food desert communities to provide the fresh food options that are currently missing from the landscape. Both programs are funded, in part, by a two-year grant received from the Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded to ACHD in June 2016 to continue its Live Well Allegheny efforts to enhance food access.

Yesterday’s event was a health benefit kick-off event at 5GB’s Fresh Foods Market which is part of the Fresh Corners Program, and beginning yesterday, became a site of the Green Grocer mobile farmers market. The mobile food market will stop at 5GB’s Fresh Food Market each Tuesday from 12 -1:00 p.m. Just Harvest, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB), Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, and Community Kitchen Pittsburgh all participated in yesterday’s event which also provided health and wellness information and cooking demonstrations.

5GB’s Fresh Food Market recently received authorization to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the store. Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits are accepted at the Green Grocer.

Borough of Carnegie Designated as the Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

September 24, 2016

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Borough of Carnegie is the latest community to receive the designation as a Live Well Allegheny Community. The announcement was made during the Carnegie Open Streets event. The borough’s participation raises the number of municipalities participating in Live Well Allegheny to 32.

“Carnegie is a community on its way up and it has recognized the importance of providing activities, events and amenities that improve the quality of life for its residents,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We’re excited to have the borough join this effort and look forward to the great things they will continue to do in their community.”

The Borough of Carnegie hosted its first Open Streets event at the intersection of West Main and East Main Streets from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. The event was themed “Get Active and Enjoy Carnegie” and participants were able to participate in activities including yoga in the street, jazzercise, a children’s fitness class and Indian cultural dances.

“Finding ways to encourage physically active will greatly improve our health. It is an important part of our Live Well Allegheny campaign.” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “Open Streets events are a family-friendly way for residents to be physically active in their community. This is one activity among others that the Borough of Carnegie is undertaking to enhance the health of its residents and we commend them for their efforts.”

Restaurants and shops also offered specials throughout the event. Funding for the event was provided by the Active Allegheny Grant Program that is managed by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County in partnership withLive Well Allegheny.

“I’m very proud of the work that our communities are doing, and glad the Carnegie Borough is a part of my district,” said Council Member Mike Finnerty. “Today’s Open Streets event is just one of many that engages and involves the community and I was thrilled to be part of it.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Carnegie indicated that in addition to the open streets event, it will:

Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
Plan, promote and implement a Live Well Allegheny event in cooperation with the campaign that encourages active living
Encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding
Promote and support farmer’s markets
Encourage involvement with community volunteer activities
Promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters and Young Lungs at Play
Utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“Carnegie Borough is very excited to receive the Live Well Allegheny Community designation. This progressive program is great way to promote a healthier lifestyle within our community and throughout the county,” said Mayor Jack Kobistek.