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.

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.