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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Designated as Live Well Allegheny Workplace

September 6, 2016

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Dr. Karen Hacker of the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today designated the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh as the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplace. Kevin Bolding, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, accepted the designation at the PNC YMCA in downtown Pittsburgh.

“It’s no surprise that the YMCA is a healthy workplace, but to have the organization in the Greater Pittsburgh area sign on to help us become a healthier community is thrilling,” said Fitzgerald. “As we work cooperatively to become healthy, having partners on board like the YMCA makes our efforts even more positive and we look forward to welcoming even more workplaces in the coming months.”

The announcement took place as the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh kicked off “Renew, Restore, ReYou” which is a six-week stress-management challenge that encourages employees to pick one new relaxing activity to do weekly. Options include yoga, tai chi, coloring, meditation and inspirational reading. Employees the PNC YMCA and several other branches participated in a yoga class as part of the kick-off.

“The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has been an important partner of Live Well Allegheny since the launch in January 2014. It serves as a valuable community resource enabling Allegheny County residents to make healthier choices,” said Hacker. “I am pleased to recognize them for their commitment to the health of their employees.”

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has committed to action steps in four main focus areas as a part of their employee wellness program to be designated as a Live Well Workplace:

In the building facilities and workplace environments, the organization is eliminating all carbonated beverages from vending machines; all of the campuses are currently smoke free as designated with signage; campuses offer access to cardio and strength equipment to employees; and, seven branches have gardens that are used for education and teaching purposes.
In policy integration, the organization’s comprehensive wellness program includes quarterly healthy living challenges, onsite biometric screenings and health risk assessments and access to an evidence-based diabetes prevention program in addition to an organization wide policy for breastfeeding mothers.
The organization provides annual health risk assessments, on-site biometric screenings, flu shots in the area of health education, screening and prevention in addition to offering tobacco cessation, stress management and chronic disease prevention and management programs as part of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The leadership commitment and employee ownership is an area of commitment with a monthly employee wellness committee and engagement program that is kicked off by senior management.

“Healthy Living is at the heart of what we do,” said Bolding. “The Y is dedicated to building healthy spirt, mind and body for all and that starts with our employees. With a strong, healthy team we can be more impactful in our efforts to deliver our mission, live our cause and eliminate health disparities in Allegheny County. The leadership and support we have received from the County throughout this partnership has been wonderful and we are proud to be recognized as a Live Well Allegheny Workplace.”

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the 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.”

Learn how your business can become a Live Well Allegheny Workplace.

Woodland Hills and Five Communities Become Part of Live Well Allegheny

August 20, 2016

PITTSBURGH –Woodland Hills School District along with the Boroughs of East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale were designated as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign at this morning’s Back-to-School event. With these additions, there are now seven Live Well Allegheny Schools and 31 Live Well Allegheny Communities.

“Congratulations to these communities for banding together and making this commitment to the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It sends a strong message to our residents when a district and all of its communities are working cooperatively to make our residents healthier.”

The Woodland Hills School District hosted the annual Back-to-School event at the Woodland Hills Jr./Sr. High School Campus. In addition to the Live Well Allegheny launch the event included a band concert, informational tables for students and their families, including health and wellness information, and food and drink.

“We are excited to see the communities of the Mon Valley join our Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “Surrounding our residents with opportunities to live well is our goal. We applaud the communities, schools and workplaces that are stepping up and expanding their efforts to improve the health of the county.”

Woodland Hills School District has begun several healthy living initiatives including: participation in the PA Department of Agriculture fresh fruit and vegetables program, Yoga in Schools as well as the Open Airways smoking prevention and cessation program. They were one of the first schools selected to be a part of an asthma program that is a partnership with Allegheny General Hospital, PA Lung Association and Duquesne University. The district provides health and wellness information annually at the Back-to-School event, which attracts 500 residents. The district has also participated in the PA Youth Survey (PAYS) and has a fully operational data sharing agreement with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

The Borough of East Pittsburgh pledges to share wellness information with community members, encourage involvement with volunteer activities, promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters and to utilize social media and web sites to provide health and wellness information.

The Borough of Edgewood has committed to promoting youth and adult sport leagues, promoting farmer’s markets and encouraging multi-modal transportation in their community.

The Borough of North Braddock will promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for community employees, share information on wellness campaign events encouraging residents to participate and provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events.

Rankin Borough will encourage multi-modal transportation, promote smoke-free buildings and also provide health information at events.

The Borough of Swissvale has pledged to promote the Swissvale Farmer’s Market, promote and support events like the Swissvale Mile, encourage involvement with volunteer activities and to utilize the borough’s web site to share health and wellness information.

These communities join Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Forest Hills, Turtle Creek and Wilkins Township, also from the Woodland Hills School District, which have already received the Live Well Allegheny designation.

Live Well Allegheny was launched by the County Executive 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 Dr. Karen Hacker.

Live Well Allegheny Supports Increased Opportunities for Physical Activity in Allegheny County Municipalities

etna_open-streets Allegheny County continues to work together to meet the goals of Live Well Allegheny. Our most recent effort was a joint initiative by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) which helps communities increase opportunities for their residents to be physically active. With funding support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Active Allegheny Grant Program provided financial assistance to communities to develop plans and design transportation projects to increase residents’ opportunities for physical activity and provide connections to important local destinations and transportation systems.

The Active Allegheny Grant Program had two cycles this year. The first was open to select municipalities with 46% percent or greater population of low-moderate income persons while the second cycle priority was given to municipalities with 25% or greater population of low-moderate income persons. Municipalities were encouraged to work together on projects extending beyond their boundaries. A total of $196,000 was awarded to fourteen municipalities. Following is a list of the projects that were awarded in year 1:

Millvale ~ Seavey Road Pedestrian and ADA Project $ 15,000.00
Etna and Sharpsburg ~ Open Streets Day Etna and Sharpsburg $ 7,500.00
Braddock, East Pittsburgh, North Braddock, Rankin and Turtle Creek ~ Feasibility Study to Develop a Walking/Bicycling Route through Communities $ 42,000.00
Carnegie ~ Open Streets Carnegie $ 5,000.00
Collier ~ Collier Township Trail Network Map and Guide $ 4,400.00
East McKeesport ~ East McKeesport Open Street Day $ 5,000.00
Harrison ~ Harrison Township Biking/Walking Corridor Planning and Design Project $ 49,600.00
Ross ~ Creating Connections for a Healthier Ross $ 33,500.00
Wilkins ~ Wilkins Township Active Transportation Master Plan $ 34,000.00

activealleghenygrantprogram

This funding also allowed the county to make significant progress in accomplishing the recommendations of Allegheny Places, the county’s land use and development comprehensive plan, and Active Allegheny, the county’s active transportation plan. Both plans rely heavily on municipal participation to accomplish the plans’ goals.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has generously awarded funding for two more years of the Active Allegheny Grant Program. Municipalities will be notified when the next round of funding is available.

Braddock Borough and Two Employers Commit to Live Well Allegheny

August 13, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Borough of Braddock is the latest community to receive the designation of a Live Well Allegheny community. The announcement was made as part of the Braddock Community Day event held earlier today.

“Live Well Allegheny encourages people to make changes where they live and work that will impact their health,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “I commend the newest members of Live Well Allegheny that are contributing to a healthier Allegheny County.”

The Borough of Braddock hosted its annual community day at the intersection of Braddock Avenue and Library Street. In addition to visiting with representatives of the Health Department, attendees could also participate in Zumba, cardio boot camps, children’s games and a parade.

“We are thrilled to have another community join our effort to become a healthier county,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “With the commitment from Braddock, we now have 26 municipalities which are actively working with the county to help their residents become healthier.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Braddock indicated that it will:

Promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for the community’s employees
Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
Develop indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities
Offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
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.

“I’m very proud that Braddock has joined this effort, and that the announcement of their commitment was made in such a public way as part of its Community Day celebration,” said Dr. Charles Martoni, the District 8 Allegheny County Council Member. “Braddock is the fourth municipality in my district to help us become a healthier county, and we are grateful for their efforts.”

The borough has already set a strong example for how a community can help its residents become healthier.

“The health of our residents is a priority. We host a 2-acre urban farm with Grow Pittsburgh to promote access to fresh produce and our Red Lantern Bike Shop provides kids free bicycles and repairs to encourage physical activity. I am excited that we are part Live Well Allegheny as it is great partnership to foster a healthy community in Braddock,” said Mayor John Fetterman.

The event also provided an opportunity to announce that two more organizations have become part of the Live Well Allegheny Workplaces effort: Rankin Christian Center and Virtual Officeware (DE) LLC.

The Rankin Christian Center (Rankin, PA) committed to action steps in four main focus areas to be designated as a Live Well Workplace:

First, the company will make changes in the building facilities and workplace environment including providing healthy food options during company meetings and functions, ensuring well-lit and safe stairwells, providing access to filtered water cooler dispenser, access to an on-site room for fitness activity, providing space for a workplace garden.
Second, it will integrate policy which will include providing employees with comprehensive health insurance including dental and preventative care with low copays.
Third, it will provide health education, screening and prevention services like onsite health fairs and screenings for staff and community members in collaboration with local health providers.
Finally, the organization leaders will actively demonstrate support for staff wellness and participate in wellness activities and programs.

Virtual OfficeWare, (Pittsburgh, PA) indicated that it has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including:

Creating an Employee Wellness Committee that has ongoing leadership support and participation as well as representatives from various departments
Providing Fitness Wearables (Jawbone Up Bands) in conjunction with a step challenge
Drafting a new company mission statement that supports employee well-being
Offering health screenings for Blood Pressure, LDL Cholesterol, and Glucose readings
Provide free healthy snacks such as fresh fruit in the breakroom
Access to in-site fitness center, workout room and outdoor bicycles for physical activity
Offering a reduction in insurance premiums, cash and extra PTO days to encourage participation in health improvement activities.

Borough of Green Tree Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

June 30, 2016

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, County Council Member Jim Ellenbogen and Dr. Karen Hacker of the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today designated the Borough of Green Tree as the county’s latest Live Well Allegheny Community during the borough’s Health & Fitness Fair. The borough’s participation raises the number of Live Well Allegheny communities to 25.

“It is thrilling to see so many communities in Allegheny County embrace the Live Well Allegheny initiative and its goals,” said Fitzgerald. “We know that we have seen improvements, generally, in the health of our county over the past few years and with so many communities joining us in this effort, I have no doubt that we will continue to see progress, and an even healthier Allegheny County moving forward.”

The Borough of Green Tree hosted its first Live Well Health & Fitness Fair at its Farmers Market at Green Tree Park. In addition to representatives of the Health Department and Human Services, the Food Bank and American Diabetes Association also participate in the event along with local health coaches, yoga instructors and others.

“I’m very excited to see another municipality from District 12 join the Live Well Allegheny program. With Green Tree’s commitment, all I commend their elected officials for taking this step to help the county become healthier,” said Ellenbogen. “The residents of Green Tree already have a large number of resources available to them, and I have no doubt that with their participation in this effort, we will continue to make progress.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Green Tree Council indicated that the borough has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including:

Promoting participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for the borough’s employees
Sharing information on recreation and learning events with the broader community
Developing and maintaining outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities
Developing and displaying walking maps and measuring the distances mapped to encourage residents to meet goals
Offering and adding health foods offered in borough-owned concession stands

“We’re excited to see Green Tree join our efforts to make the county a healthier place. With the borough on board, we have engaged 25 communities in Live Well Allegheny,” said Hacker. “We’re going to continue our efforts until all 130 municipalities are part of the campaign.”

Moving forward, the borough has committed to:

Developing incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
Encouraging multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding
Working with vending companies to post calories and nutrient contents and amounts for the foods offered in borough-owned vending machines and concession stands
Expanding existing smoke-free zones in buildings, perimeters and parks

“Green Tree has many amenities, such as our walking track, trails, parks, pool and great recreation programs, that enable our residents to exercise – but we need to do more,” said Mark Sampogna, Green Tree Council President. “Joining the Live Well Allegheny program puts us on the right path with access to many other resources. It’s all part of providing a good quality of life for our borough residents.”